Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Two things struck me from reading An Taisce's submission. The first is the survey showing that 34% of the State's archaeological monuments have been destroyed since 1840. That is very stark. The destruction is continuing at an alarming rate. Since 2007, only nine prosecutions have been taken by the DPP on the recommendations of An Garda Síochána for alleged offences under the National Monuments Act. What are the views of An Taisce regarding the heads of this Bill and ignorance as a defence? Is it aware of any other jurisdictions where this is the case? How does that compare in terms of international best practice in valuing archaeology and monuments?