Vol. 408 No. 8
31 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the number of artefacts or items, reported stolen or removed from archaeological sites and national or historic monuments, over the past ten years; the number of such items or artefacts that have been subsequently recovered; and the number of prosecutions that have resulted from investigations into the reported incidents.
A total of 15 artefacts or items have been reported stolen or removed from six sites in State care of which ten have been recovered. One successful prosecution has resulted from investigation into these cases, while a prosecution is pending in another.
In addition, the National Museum have recovered a large number of items and artefacts removed from other sites not in State care throughout the country. A number of these cases have been or are being investigated by the National Museum and gardaí while others have been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
