asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport how control is exercised in this country in relation to underwater archaeology; if it is proposed to up-date the law in this matter; if there is a section of his Department dealing with historic underwater finds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Underwater Archaeology.
30.
There are no provisions relating specifically to underwater archaeology in legislation administered by my Department. However, Part IX of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, which deals with wreck and salvage, provides that material or objects salvaged or recovered from a wreck must be surrendered to the Receiver of Wreck. There are substantial penalties for offences under this Act.
Under the National Monuments Acts the finding of objects of an historical or archaeological interest must be reported to the National Museum. As regards the question of up-dating the law, I understand that the question of bringing wreck within the ambit of the National Monuments Acts is under consideration.
Does that apply to shipwrecks at sea, and if not would the Minister include them?
Yes.