Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

This stresses the need to expand. There is a similar need in respect of other disciplines within heritage services in local authorities. To me, it certainly augurs the case to expand the network of archaeologists employed by local authorities. It is critical because many heritage officers come from different disciplines and backgrounds. Some of them come from an archaeological background; others from a background in biodiversity. To complement that work and to have a much more enhanced system of protection, awareness and conservation, it is really important that every local authority should have a professional archaeological services directly employed.