Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2015
957. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a working group will be established to review a matter (details supplied) regarding metal detecting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29080/15]
View answerMeasures to regulate the use of metal detectors were introduced in the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1987 to protect our archaeological heritage from the irreparable damage and loss which results from indiscriminate use of metal detectors to search for archaeological objects. The 1987 Act sets out statutory provisions regarding the general use of metal detectors to search for archaeological objects on any lands and the particular requirements applying to their use or possession on protected monuments and archaeological sites. My Department, in co-operation with the National Museum of Ireland, has published guidelines setting out advice to the public on the use of detection devices and their impact on our archaeological heritage. The guidelines are available on my Department’s website and are also available in museums, libraries and local authority offices. The guidelines explain both the provisions of the relevant legislation and the reasons it was enacted in 1987. The 1987 Act does not prohibit the use of metal detectors for archaeological purposes, rather it ensures such use takes place in a regulated manner, subject to appropriate safeguards.
The National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 implemented in statute law the ruling of the Supreme Court in Webb v. Ireland that archaeological objects found in the State which have no known owner are State property. The 1994 Act, also in line with the findings of the Supreme Court, established a statutory scheme for payment of rewards to finders of archaeological objects, at the discretion of the Director of the National Museum of Ireland. It has been a legal requirement since the enactment of the National Monuments Act 1930 that finds of archaeological objects must be reported to the Director of the National Museum.
I am satisfied that the current legislation is reasonable, proportionate and effective and I do not propose to establish a working group of the kind referred to by the Deputy.
