asked the Minister for Education if a report on the urban archaeology study on areas of Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Wexford: (a) has been furnished to the relevant local authorities for use in respect of planning applications, (b) is available to any persons wishing to develop property in the areas in question in a manner which might be damaging to the archaeological sites there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Urban Archaeology Study.
10.
The joint study on urban archaeology has not been completed and a report has not yet been furnished.
I am satisfied that the relevant local authorities have sufficient information to enable them to prevent any developments which could be potentially damaging to archaeological remains.
Does the Minister recall that on a previous occasion he stated that a survey had been completed in so far as parts of Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Wexford are concerned, and in those circumstances would he not consider it useful to communicate the results of that survey to the local authorities in the areas in question so as to ensure that they have as much information as possible to enable them to avoid any development which is inimical to the interest of archaeology?
I would remind the Deputy that in respect of the information that is available, much of it would not be available were it not for the co-operation and the interest of the local authorities and other agencies in the areas concerned. I am satisfied that there will not be any damage in the areas to which the Deputy refers of a kind that he and I am sure everybody else wish to have avoided.
In view of the fact that the Minister is presumably not prepared to authorise publication of an interim report by this study group, would he indicate when he expects the report of the body in question to be completed? Has he reconsidered the position and can he now say if it will be published?
I regret having to do this but I would remind the Deputy of the terms of reference he prepared for this study group and say how important it is that it was not indicated to them that reports should be prepared with any expedition whatever. Notwithstanding that, I appreciate that the concern of the Deputy, my concern, and the concern of the House is that no damage is done. That is my primary concern. I am sure the Deputy appreciates that in respect of the preparation of reports it requires the availability of personnel, who unfortunately are limited in availability and who unfortunately are occupied on excavation at the moment which is also considered very important. In respect of the question which the Deputy has about Wood Quay I would consider the advisability of seeking an interim report there as soon as possible.
In view of the fact that the Minister has, by his implied criticism of me, indicated that he believes there should be expedition in the completion of this report, now that he has been in office for the last two years will he consider altering the terms of reference to improve them in the way that he considers they are lacking in their original drafting? If so, when will he do it?
I am very glad to hear that from the Deputy. I want to assure him that I have already expressed regret that more work has not been done on this. I am sure the Deputy also appreciates that it is not work that can be carried out by people who are not qualified to do it. The availability of such qualified people is, regrettably, rather limited.
Will the Minister change the terms of reference?
I will apply myself to the terms of reference to have what I would regard as the most important information made available as soon as possible.
The Minister has not done that yet?
The Minister has not done it even though he is over two years in office.
I have indicated my disappointment that the group which was established was not established in a more specific fashion and there were not specific requirements about staff being made available.
The Minister has been in office over two years. Why has he not done something about it?
My predecessor was in office four-and-a-half years and he did nothing.
That is a fairy tale.
The truth often is a fairy tale to the person to whom it does not suit, but that is a fact. The terms of reference are there for the House to examine.
11.
asked the Minister for Education in respect of the joint study on urban archaeology being undertaken by the National Museum and the Office of Public Works when it is expected the survey of the entire area within the medieval walled city of Dublin will be completed.
It is not possible to state at present when the survey will be completed.
Will the Minister state approximately what proportion of the area of the medieval walled city of Dublin has already been completed?
It is not possible to say that. I hope when the Deputy is talking about the walled city he is also including the area without walls, which is equally important. High Street, 1 and 2, Winetavern Street, Christchurch Place and Fishamble Street have been completed.
Is the Minister referring to excavations or surveys by this body?
I am referring to excavations which have been carried out and completed.
The question was about surveys.
There is not much point in surveying what has been completed already.
Has any area, apart from the area that has been excavated, been surveyed?
The Deputy is rather lost in his enthusiasm when he does not realise that there is not much point in surveying something which has already been completed on behalf of the museum and on behalf of the nation.
I agree. Is there any survey which has not been completed?
Order. Question No. 12.
What portion of the walled city has in fact been surveyed under the joint study?
That is a separate question.
Excavations have already been completed in the areas I have referred to. Surely Deputy Desmond is not indicating that we should have a work study carried out on the area which has already been excavated?
What about the rest of it?
I have indicated to Deputy Bruton that because people who are qualified to do this work are already engaged in excavations and other matters which are regarded as being more important at the moment he cannot expect them——
The answer is nothing.
Is it not fair to say that nothing has happened?