Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 231:

In page 105, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following: "(6) Where an archaeological object is the subject of an auction, the Minister may, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, personally or through an authorised representative, intervene following the conclusion of the auction but prior to the transaction being finalised with the final bidder, to acquire the object for the State in place of the final bidder at the same value as they had agreed.

(7) Nothing in subsection (6) shall preclude the ability of the Minister, an authorised representative, or other public bodies where it is considered appropriate, from participating in an auction for an archaeological object, or from acquiring an archaeological object compulsorily in line with Schedule 4 of this Act.".

We are looking for the Minister of State, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, to intervene through a representative at the conclusion of an auction, prior to the transaction being finalised, to acquire the object for the State in place of the final bidder, at the value agreed. A similar mechanism exists in France. It allows the State on behalf of the people to take priority in an auction above that of normal participants if it considers the market value worth paying. It is a protection for the State. Will the Minister of State consider including it on Report Stage?