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

Regarding proposed amendment No. 192, the State cannot override the rights of a private owner. This is quite clear. I accept the valid points the Deputy made, but regarding promoting access to a monument, if it is in private ownership that is not something the State can override, as I said.

Regarding amendment No. 213, I accept that the Deputy has used the word "may" as opposed to "shall" to offer flexibility, but we are still of the view that this could embroil the authorities in issues around disputes between third parties, such as easements, etc. It does extend the scope of the provision in respect of what we intend to do in the Bill. I just cannot, therefore, accept this amendment.

Turning to amendment No. 214, we will certainly try to come back with something by way of a response in this regard on Report Stage.