Vol. 397 No. 3
2 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Taoiseach if any appropriate decision or proposals have been made with a view to introducing legislation dealing with the discovery of historical objects, such as the Derrynaflan hoard, as urged by the Chief Justice in his decision on a case (details supplied); and if no such proposals are forthcoming, when it is proposed to introduce legislation on this matter on the lines suggested by the Supreme Court in the case concerned.
Work is now well advanced in drafting the heads of appropriate legislation to deal with this very complex issue and I would hope to bring forward the proposed legislation later this year.
At the outset I should like to pay tribute to Mr. Michael Webb and his son who, on finding the Derrynaflan Chalice speedily handed it over to the State. I should like to ask the Taoiseach if, with a view to strengthening the Government's claim on such finds, he will introduce some system of arbitration so that people will be happy with the reward or compensation they receive for such finds?
I thought the Deputy was on to a different point in her question, the need for legislation to deal with the whole area of the right to these objects when they are found, particularly the right of the State in regard to them.
Will the proposed legislation cover the question of a reward or compensation? If we do not have realistic rewards for the finders, they will seek a reward or compensation through illegal exporting.
I see the Deputy's point. Yes, of course it will deal with that issue. I hope the Deputy gets an opportunity to raise her question about nurses on the Adjournment.
