In the discussions to date with the National Roads Authority on a code of practice, my Department has been represented by a senior archaeological officer from both Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, and the National Museum of Ireland. Both these officers have long and wide ranging experience in archaeology and I am satisfied that they have the necessary credentials to make a valuable and informed input into those discussions. I therefore do not propose to augment the composition of my Department's team involved in these discussions. Furthermore, the senior status of the officers already involved reflect the importance which I and my Department attach to agreeing a code of practice.
The discussions on the code of practice are ongoing and I have no plans to publish it until such time as agreement has been reached. The code is intended to form the basis of a framework within existing legislation and policies and within which the NRA will be able to progress with its programme of work whilst carrying out appropriate archaeological mitigation which has regard to a set of principles and agreed actions by both parties. The code will have no legal standing per se. It will be in accordance with the requirements of the National Monuments Act. It will be reviewed and monitored by both parties to ensure that it delivers on its intended objectives and amended or updated as necessary.
