asked the Minister for Finance the further steps, if any, he intends taking to protect sites of archaeological and historic interest in view of the recent major discovery of objects of great historic value and interest, and of the manner in which objects were found; in particular if he will introduce legislation to prohibit the unlawful use of metal detectors and similar devices, and to impose heavy penalties for the unlawful use of such devices.
Written Answers. - Archaeological Sites.
36.
The existing national monuments legislation contains quite specific provisions for the protection of sites of archaeological and historic interest. Under the National Monuments Act, 1930, it is an offence to excavate or dig, without the permission of the Commissioners of Public Works, in or around any national monument which is in the care of the commissioners or of a local authority. It is also an offence to dig, or excavate, without permissions, in or under any land—not just the sites of national monuments—for the purpose of searching generally for archaeological objects. Anyone convicted of an offence under the relevant sections is liable to be fined, and where the interference is with a site in the care of the commissioners or of a local authority, the Act provides that a term of imprisonment may be imposed.
The question of whether additional powers need to be taken to prevent unauthorised interference with archaeological sites is one of a number of matters being considered in connection with new legislation which it is proposed to introduce for national monuments. The threat posed by metal detectors is receiving special attention in that regard, as also is the desirability of having substantially increased penalties for anyone engaged in illegal searching for archaeological objects.