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

I move amendment No. 233:

In page 106, between lines 17 and 18, to insert the following: "(7) Where the Board is minded to give consent under subsection (2) to the disposal of an archaeological object which was found during the course of carrying out a licensable activity, it shall—

(a) consult with the Minister to seek his or her views (if any) on the proposed disposal, and

(b) if those views (if any) are received within the period prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph or, if no such period is prescribed, within 21 days from the date of consultation, have regard to those views in deciding whether or not to give such consent.".

The introduction of a new subsection (7) in the section will provide that where the board of the National Museum intends to dispose of an archaeological object found during an activity licensable under the Bill, the board must first consult with the Minister before making its decision. A 21-day consultation period is provided for, with an option to prescribe alternative periods.