Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 89:

In page 40, line 21, after “Register” to insert “following consultation with Ard-Mhusaem na hÉireann, An Chomhairle Oidhreachta, and An Taisce”.

Amendment No. 89 seeks to ensure the Minister at least consults with the experts in the National Museum of Ireland, Heritage Council and An Taisce before amending or deleting particulars from the register. It refers to "consultation with Ard-Mhusaem na hÉireann, An Chomhairle Oidhreachta, and An Taisce".

Amendment No. 177 seeks to ensure no monument is destroyed unless the board of the National Museum of Ireland believes there is not or is no longer sufficient interest to justify continued protection, with the consent of the Minister and approval of the Heritage Council. It is based on the section 99 process for the disposal of archaeological objects, where the decision rests with the board of the National Museum of Ireland. No such oversight exists for the removal of protection from a monument. It is similar to amendment No. 92, which specifically relates to the destruction of a monument rather than removal from the register. It is not a removal; it is a destruction. An Taisce would also have to be consulted in advance of any such destruction. It sets out the oversight mechanism to protect monuments at risk of destruction.

Amendment No. 264 is to allow Ard-Mhusaem na hÉireann to carry out inventories of heritage. The current wording allows only the Minister to carry out such inventories, although that could, perhaps, be subcontracted to the museum. The amendment, however, would allow the museum to carry out such an inventory. In 2008, the expert advisory committee report on legislative provisions recommended that the Bill intended that the board of the National Museum of Ireland should be given the power to create the inventory of archaeological objects. That is the intention of the amendments.