asked the Minister for Transport and Power what steps he proposes to take to protect historic wrecks around the coasts of the State so that they are not plundered or destroyed by vandals but secured for genuine scientific investigation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Historic Coastal Wrecks.
40.
Salvors of wreck of any kind are required by law to hand it over to the local receiver of wreck. Objects of a historical or archaeological interest may be claimed by the National Museum.
Under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, heavy penalties, including imprisonment, may be imposed where recovery of wreck is concealed, undeclared or taken out of the country.
There is no specific statutory prohibition on access to, or interference with, underwater objects, as distinct from disposing of them. No case of undesirable or irresponsible interference with historic wrecks has occurred, as far as I am aware, and I am not satisfied that the enactment of special legislation would be warranted at present.