asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the method whereby he enforces section 24 of the National Monuments Act, 1930 in regard to the illegal export of archaeological objects; if any regular inspections are undertaken either by his Department or by others acting on his behalf to detect attempted breaches of the Act; if any attempted illegal exportations have been detected in recent years; and if he is satisfied that no illegal exportations have taken place.
Written Answers. - Archaeological Exports.
257.
Customs officers are acquainted with the provisions of the National Monuments Acts relating to the export of archaeological objects. I am satisfied that all reasonable measures are taken to prevent any attempted breaches of section 24 of the National Monuments Act, 1930. No attempted illegal exportations have been reported to me in recent years. It is, however, very difficult to keep a check on all material leaving the country and I am not in a position to state that illegal exportations could not have taken place in the period since 1930.