Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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With regard to Part 4 and the archaeological objects, we did not discuss that much. There is some ambiguity about who is the owner when somebody finds something on a piece of land. This Bill is proposing some changes. The Law Reform Commission had a report on this. The witnesses might comment on that. Where there is a known owner of an archaeological object, the State will give power for compulsory acquisition.

Second, I agree with you, Chairman, about the interim protection. That is very important. We see that in protected structures, of course. When a protected structure is designated as such or there is a candidate ACA, it has a certain protection. That is very important because it is usually a critical time. Once one alerts people about the intention to protect something, things can happen very quickly. The interim measure being discussed is a good and strong one, which I endorse.

I will wrap up by referring to Part 9 on issuing the guidelines on relevant matters of co-operation to other bodies in heritage protection. The Minister of State said that public authorities and local authorities will be placed under a general obligation to have regard to historical heritage in the exercise of their functions. Perhaps he will refer to that.