asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the statutory report on the licensed archaeological excavations at (i) Behy, County Mayo, (ii) Coomatloukane, County Kerry, (ii) Sullivan's Quay, Cork and (iv) Lough Gur, County Limerick, completed respectively in 1969, 1977 and 1978; the action he proposes to take in regard to the outstanding reports; if any excavation licences have been given since to any of the licencees in question who have not yet furnished the reports; and, if so, when, why and to whom.
Written Answers. - Archaeological Excavations.
153.
There is no provision in the National Monuments Acts of 1930 and 1954 (Amendment) which requires that a report on a licensed archaeological excavation be sent to the Minister for Finance. However, it is a condition of each licence to excavate that a report on the excavation and the results thereof shall be furnished to the Commissioners of Public Works.
Regarding the four archaeological excavations referred to in the question a report was received on the excavations at Coomatloukane, County Kerry, and there is a reference to these excavations in the Journal of the Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society (No. 3-1970). Reports have not been received on excavations at Behy, County Mayo, Sullivan's Quay, Cork or Lough Gur, County Limerick. In the case of Behy, County Mayo, the excavator died some years ago but his papers are being examined by some of his former associates with a view to publication of a report. Reports on excavations at Sullivan's Quay and Lough Gur are expected shortly. No further excavation licences have been applied for by the licensees in the latter two cases.