This is a Seanad Bill which has been amended by the Dáil. In accordance with Standing Order 103, it is deemed to have passed its First, Second and Third Stages in the Seanad and is placed on the Order Paper for Report Stage. On the question "That the Bill be received for final consideration", the Minister may explain the purpose of the amendments made by the Dáil and this is looked upon as the report of the Dáil amendments to the Seanad. The only matter, therefore, that may be discussed is the amendments made by the Dáil. For the convenience of Senators, I have arranged for the printing and circulation to them of those amendments.
Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 1998 [ Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil ] : Report and Final Stages.
Question proposed: "That the Bill be received for final consideration."
In page 3, section 1(1), line 22, after "artistic," the word "cultural," was inserted. Members will recall that this amendment was originally proposed by Senator Norris and supported by Senators Henry, Quill, Gallagher and O'Toole on Committee Stage in the Seanad on 3 March 1999. Members will also recall that while I was sympathetic to the proposal, I could not accept the amendment as I felt it was important to maintain consistency with the related Local Government (Planning and Development) Bill, 1998, which had already been passed by this House at that time. I also believed that the definition of this Bill, based on the definition in the Granada Convention, was sufficiently broad to address the concerns of the Senators.
Subsequently, the Local Government (Planning and Development) Bill, 1998, was amended in Dáil Éireann to include "cultural" and I am advised that this Bill has now passed all Stages in the Oireachtas. It is as a consequence of this development and for the same reason of consistency, that I, therefore, proposed in Dáil Éireann that the word "cultura" be included in the definition of "architectural heritage" in this Bill. It is important that the Local Government (Planning and Development) Bill and the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historical Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill reflect a consistent position in respect of the architectural heritage. I know Senators will welcome this amended definition.
I thank Senators for their valuable contributions to the debate and for their support for this Bill with regard to architectural heritage.
I thank the Minister for including the word "cultural". However, I am sorry it is for the sake of consistency that the change has been made, I thought it was because of our eloquence on Committee Stage. This is a worthy addition and if it is for consistency's sake, then that is splendid. However, the Bill deserved the inclusion of the word "cultural" on its own merits.
I thank Senator Henry for her remarks. I was not disappointed by the eloquence of the Senators on the last occasion. They made a very strong case initially and I believe this is the correct way forward, given the circumstances. I thank Senators for their contributions and I take this opportunity to thank my officials who have worked very hard and co-operated extremely well with me on this Bill.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
I echo the sentiments expressed by Senator Henry and, particularly, by the Minister. I thank the Minister and her officials for the manner in which they steered this legislation through the House, particularly in light of the detailed debate which took place on various aspects and interpretations. I am pleased that all sides of the House are satisfied and I wish the Bill well.
I also thank the Minister for bringing the legislation before us and dealing with it so succinctly. There was a two-pronged attack because, while Senator Henry was arguing the point with regard to this Bill, I was arguing on the planning Bill for the insertion of the word "culture". I am pleased that between both of us, whether as a result of eloquence or pressure, this worthwhile change was made. I thank the Minister's officials for their work and I thank the Minister for coming before us again.
I congratulate the Minister and her officials on the Bill. One wonders why this Bill was not introduced 50 years ago. It is amazing we have not had legislation such as this before now. I congratulate the Minister and thank her for having brought this extremely important Bill through the House.
Question put and agreed to.
Sitting suspended at 2.40 p.m. and resumed at 2.50 p.m.