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

In terms of the general scheme at this point, without referencing the Heritage Council in terms of the advisory role which has been highlighted, I think it is very important there is some oversight and potential counterbalance of the ministerial power on this. Ministers and public representatives can come under a lot of pressure for infrastructure to be delivered within a particular timeframe and, at times, that could mean very valuable heritage getting destroyed, which everybody could regret five or ten years later but it is then too late. Having that oversight is beneficial for everybody. In addition, the level of interest in heritage can vary from Minister to Minister whereas, in the long term, everybody values it. That is very important. In a previous session, it was suggested that the National Monuments Advisory Council should be set up again. Do the witnesses have a view on that? If that is not done, how does the Heritage Council incorporate reaching out to that expertise?