I propose to take Questions Nos. 403 and 404 together.
Under section 3 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1987, a person wishing to dive, survey or undertake various other specified activities in relation to a shipwreck that is subject to an underwater heritage order or that is more than 100 years old is required to obtain a licence from me, as Minister Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A licence may be granted subject to certain conditions as appropriate.
Conditions associated with licences granted under section 3 of the Act are structured to reflect the particular nature, circumstances and objectives of the licensable activity, consistent with the State’s policy for the protection of historic wrecks and in accordance with the Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage first published in 1999. Each application is viewed in the context of the specific circumstances prevailing in relation to the diving objective and is subject to full review and input from the relevant professional services of my Department.
In the instance referred to by the Deputy, the Underwater Archaeology Unit of my Department, under the remit of the Acting Chief Archaeologist, contributed in full to the consideration of the application in question and to the comprehensive terms and conditions attached to the licence.
I am satisfied that the licence issued in this case was appropriate to the circumstances and properly reflected the input of the professional archaeologists in my Department. I believe that the approach taken is consistent with the policy of licence input and supervision by my Department.
Ultimately, an important recovery was made in this case, which will be available to the public once conservation work is completed.
