asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the archaeological excavation of Tara is in contemplation; that this site is unique for its period in the world, on account of the substantial volume of contemporary records of its contents, and whether the Government will appoint a qualified commission of archaeologists, geologists, historians and archaeological technicians to collate available material, consult scholars and generally supervise any excavation on this site of unique archaeological and national importance with a view to ensuring that every conceivable precaution is taken to guard against any inadvertent but irreparable error of judgment in the performance of this extensive undertaking.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tara Archaeological Excavation.
An application was recently made to the Commissioners of Public Works for a licence pursuant to Section 26 of the National Monuments Act, 1930, to permit an excavation to be carried out at the site of the Rath of the Synods at Tara. This rath suffered extensive disturbance towards the close of the last century when excavations of a nonscientific character were undertaken in what purported to be a search for the "Ark of the Covenant". It has been represented that portions of the site which apparently escaped disturbance on that occasion might, on scientific examination, yield information of value not only in regard to this rath but generally as to soil conditions in Tara which would constitute an important factor in any future scheme of excavation. The licence has been granted to the applicant, Dr. Seán Ó Riordáin, a distinguished archaeologist, Professor of Archaeology at University College, Dublin, who is chairman of the National Monuments Advisory Council and who has conducted excavations at many important ancient sites. In these circumstances, and as the proposed excavation is of an exploratory character the appointment of a supervisory commission is considered unnecessary. Should it be decided at some future date to embark on a comprehensive examination of the various sites at Tara, the Deputy's suggestion will receive consideration, but whether a commission on the lines suggested would provide the most desirable method of procedure I am at present unable to say.
Without wishing to question in any way the competence of Professor Ó Riordáin to carry out the excavations, would the Parliamentary Secretary direct the attention of the Minister for Finance to the fact that, inasmuch as this site is related to a considerable volume of allegedly contemporary description, there is the peculiar danger that if it should transpire that the contemporary descriptions are somewhat optimistic in their content, the most skilful examination may reveal much less than the contemporary descriptions alleged were there, and it is of vital importance, if it is our fate to be disappointed in the contents of the site, that posterity should be reassured that every conceivable precaution was taken not to overlook anything that might have been found if further care had been taken in preparing the project?