asked the Taoiseach when it is intended to bring the proposed legislation governing the control of the export of works of art before the Dáil.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers - Export of Works of Art.
24.
As I indicated to the House previously, this matter has complex legal and practical implications which require very careful evaluation in advance of bringing proposals before the House. This evaluation has now reached the stage where revised heads of a draft Bill will shortly be submitted to Government and then to the House.
Is the Tánaiste aware that early in the last session of the Dáil the Taoiseach promised that the legislation would be brought before the House before the end of that session? Is the Tánaiste aware that the programme for the coming session, announced in communications between the Whips, has no mention of this legislation? In view of the importance of this matter and of preserving our heritage will the Tánaiste ensure that the Bill will be brought before the House without delay? I am sure all sides will agree to the terms of such a Bill.
I will do what has been suggested by the Deputy and have a word with the Chief Whip with a view to inserting the Bill for the current session. We are aware of the importance of such legislation and I should like to assure the Deputy that the delays in bringing it before the House were caused by the complex legal matters involved. The Deputy will be aware that there has been litigation in regard to some finds but we have got over the legal and constitutional constraints. We are confident that our legislation will be adequate and I will seek to have it before the House as soon as possible; in this session, I would hope.