Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am less enthusiastic than Deputy O'Callaghan might be. Section 27(1)(k) refers to "the preservation and protection of the environment and its amenities, including ... archaeological, architectural and natural heritage". Restoration does not only apply to natural heritage, although I fully support Deputies O'Callaghan and Boyd Barrett in what they said. It also applies to archaeological and architectural heritage. You could have situations where archaeological or architectural heritage is being protected or preserved but is not being restored. It is not being brought back into an improved state. In looking at this, therefore, I think the Minister of State should look again at the substance of our proposition, even though he is not going to accept it today. Restoration, preservation and protection are not the same. He probably knows that better than most of us in this room. I therefore think there is scope to have a commitment to restoration, either here or elsewhere, but in particular with respect to the regional, spatial and economic strategies and archaeological, architectural and natural heritage. The archaeological and architectural sides are important, as well as the natural heritage side. That may nudge the Minister of State a little further in his consideration of the matter before Report Stage.