Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
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I thank all the witnesses. We appreciate the time they are giving us in providing opening statements and for their promise of further documentation. It is most helpful to us in our pre-legislative scrutiny. As the witnesses stated, this is very important legislation and we want to get it right. Archaeology is something that sounds dusty and old, but I agree with Dr. Greene's point that it is important to our everyday lives. It reminds us that we are all just passing through, there are those who came before us and those who will come after us. At this moment in time our job is to try to help the Government to get this legislation right. I very much agree with the points that have been made.

I acknowledge An Taisce's reference to the previous Ministers, Michael D. Higgins and Síle de Valera and others who have worked on the legislation in the past. In this slot I will turn to An Taisce and I hope to have an opportunity later to ask more questions. An Taisce has made three specific requests. One relates to the Valletta Convention, which it was stated has been adopted. It would be helpful if the witnesses could explain in more practical terms what specifically would be the benefit of incorporating the Valletta Convention into the proposed new legislation.

An Taisce specifically seeks a reinstatement of the monuments advisory council. I would appreciate if the witnesses could elaborate on what they think the value of reinstating the council would be, what the make-up of the council should be in terms of numbers, the skills and experience individual members should have and what the benefit of that would be.