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

We use the term restoration primarily with regard to nature. Over the course of the past couple of years in particular, we have seen how it has become an essential component of biodiversity policy. Restoration of historic and heritage buildings is already embodied in the national architecture policy and other policies and strategies from our Department and others. We separately have the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, which primarily supports the conservation of archaeological features and heritage. If it is okay, we could come back in respect of that. I do not say that to detract from it but it paints a broader picture of what the Deputy is saying about the built and archeological environment, as we discussed earlier pertaining to nature, biodiversity and nature restoration. It creates a question about that. However, there are already good policies in place relating to the reuse, repurposing and restoration of historic buildings and archaeological heritage. We might come back on that, if that is okay.