asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he will state what steps, if any, are being taken to ensure the preservation of ancient monuments of historical interest in Co. Meath on lands taken over for division by the Land Commission.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PRESERVATION OF ANCIENT MONUMENTS.
When dealing with estates under the Land Purchase Acts which contain any ancient monument which, in the opinion of the Land Commission is of public interest, by reason of its historic, traditional or artistic interest, or is of archaeological interest, the Land Commission bring it to the notice of the Commissioners of Public Works with a view to its being vested in those Commissioners. If the Commissioners of Public Works do not consider that the monument is one which should be vested in them, the Land Commission bring it under the notice of the county council with a view to enabling the council to consider the taking over of the monument.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary any information as to the progress of the contemplated Bill which, I understand, the Government have in view, and which would include the preservation of ancient monuments?
I am not in a position to give the Deputy any information on that matter.