Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 1

Written Answers. - Legislation on National Monuments.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

416 Ms F. Fitzgerald and Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when he proposes to introduce legislation to overhaul legislation on national monuments as promised in the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993 to 1997; and the scope, cost and purpose of this legislation.

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

My Department is presently preparing legislation to make further provision for the protection and preservation of archaeological objects to include treasure troves, to amend and extend the National Monuments Acts, 1930-1987, and to provide for related matters. I hope to introduce the legislation later this year.

TheProgramme for a Partnership Government 1993-97 provides a commitment to a radical overhaul of the National Monuments legislation, including automatic protection for defined categories of monuments, and my Department is presently examining the situation.