Mr. Seán Kirwan:

My apologies, as I should have touched on that. It is important to note that this proposed legislation tackles that issue. It is a problem under the existing National Monuments Acts that there is very little, if any, reference to consultation with landowners. In contrast, under this scheme of legislation, we have schemes for any entry into the register. Whether it is general protection or being elevated to special protection, there is a requirement to engage in consultation. The mechanisms for that will be something that will need to be fleshed out in the drafting of the Bill. However, the general scheme says very definitely that entry into the register will be preceded by a scheme of consultation. Therefore, that is an important innovation and it is strengthening the democratic participation and rights of landowners in terms of how they are recognised in this legislation.