Amendments Nos. 33, 36, 37 and 38 are related to amendment No. 32 and all may be discussed together.
SECTION 48.
I move amendment No. 32:
In page 32, between lines 23 and 24, to insert the following subsection:
"(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Minister may establish and maintain a record of cultural objects of a class or classes denoted in such manner (including by reference to monetary value) as may be determined by the Minister whose export from the State has constituted a serious loss to the heritage of Ireland (in this section referred to as ‘the record')."
The aim of this group of amendments is to allow for the recording of important Irish moveable heritage artefacts wherever they are situated outside the State. The purpose is to provide a structured system for identification of such objects situated outside the State while not attempting to extend any jurisdictional or control application outside the State. The amendment should be seen as being of a symbolic nature recognising and signifying that what is important to the heritage of Ireland cannot be limited by considerations of geographic location. It is inclusive in a symbolic and cultural sense.
I am confused about these amendments. I accept the amendment is symbolic; Irish heritage objects are not just found within the confines of this jurisdiction but I worry about building up a record which will involve administration. It will have staff implications which will mean further costs and we cannot afford them. Is it an unpractical wish list? There is no question of control or any prospect of acquisition. Would it be more appropriate to channel the necessary funds into drawing up lists of what we have to ensure their preservation rather than concentrating on that over which we have no control?
I disagree that we are concentrating on that over which we have no control. The amendment states: "(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Minister may establish and maintain a record of cultural objects." The word "shall" is not used, for example, and I have suggested the word "may". It is subsequent and subservient to the important tasks referred to by the Deputy. There is a difference between that which one owns and that which constitutes one's heritage. It involves scholarly inclusiveness in terms of a theme or period and it would be ludicrous to leave something out simply because one did not own it. I assure the Deputy that it will not disrupt any essential task and is desirable. In regard to the register of matters in Ireland, I use the word "shall" and outside Ireland I use the word "may".
Amendment put and declared carried.
I move amendment No. 33:
In page 32, subsection (2), line 24, after "register" to insert "or the record".
Amendment put and declared carried.
Amendment No. 35 is related to amendment No. 34 and both may be taken together by agreement.
I move amendment No. 34:
In page 32, subsection (2), line 25. to delete "Board" and substitute "Board, the Irish Manuscripts Commission".
These amendments propose to include the Irish Manuscripts Commission among the bodies that may be requested by the Minister to put forward lists of objects for inclusion on the register of important cultural objects. Given the commission's important role in regard to historical documents this is appropriate.
Amendment agreed to.
I move amendment No. 35:
In page 32, subsection (5)(a), line 42, to delete "A Board" and substitute "A Board, the Irish Manuscripts Commission".
Amendment agreed to.
I move amendment No. 36:
In page 32, subsection (5)(a), line 45, after "register" to insert "or the record".
Amendment put and declared carried.
I move amendment No. 37:
In page 32, subsection (5)(b), line 49, after "register" to insert "or the record".
Amendment put and declared carried.
I move amendment No. 38:
In page 33, subsection (6), line 2, after "register" to insert "or the record".
Amendment put and declared carried.
Section 48, as amended, agreed to.