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

I might first respond to Deputy Ó Broin on cultural heritage. There was extensive debate in the Seanad about this because we had other elements and definitions of linguistic and artistic heritage. It was really from those discussions in the Seanad to give a broader definition and recognition to cultural heritage and to recognise the fact that many of our monuments, objects, and artifacts all have a cultural aspect to them that we tried to give effect to that within the Bill. I hope that explains that. This is being done on foot of the very extensive debate we had in the Seanad on this issue and to reflect that in the Bill.

I will deal with the matter of the proposed national monuments advisory council when we come to the relevant amendments. With regard to amendment No. 29, for the purpose of this definition however, what is proposed here is unworkable as one of the key aims of the Bill is the complete repeal of the National Monuments Acts, 1930 to 2014. Accordingly, references to the National Monuments Acts as provided for in this amendment would not be adequate. The national monuments advisory council was abolished by a previous amendment to the National Monuments Acts and the approach considered in this amendment is unworkable in a legal context.

I would just like to give assurance to Deputy O'Callghan. Under the Bill, the Heritage Council's role will be strengthened and bolstered in respect of its advice and staffing. We will introduce professional archaeological positions to recognise that enhanced role. Over the past three years the increase in resources to the National Monuments Service is putting us into a better state in terms of protection. The Bill is trying to consolidate 100 years of very disparate legislation and give added protections to our monuments. In that sense, we are in a better space as regards the level of protections the Bill affords, but also in terms of the professional supports on the ground. There has been extensive consultation on the Bill and all licences will be referred to the National Museum of Ireland. What we have is an interconnectedness of a lot of strengthened protections through this Bill and, in that sense, the Heritage Council's role will be central to that.