Vol. 513 No. 3
264 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason no underwater archaeological unit exists in her Department since the last contract expired; the way in which it is intended to deal with the archaeological implications of major port developments and other similar works in the future; the way in which she will rectify this immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2542/00]
The underwater archaeological unit within my Department still exists. I can confirm that part of the service provided by the unit in relation to underwater investigations and planning and development issues involving underwater archaeology has been carried out on contract and that that contract expired effectively from yesterday. This will have implications for the service that has been provided previously but I am mindful of the need to provide an efficient and professional service in this specialised area and my Department is currently examining ways in which normal service can be resumed by the unit following the expiration of the current contract. There are a number of options being considered but these are at a delicate stage and I cannot say what the final outcome will be.
