Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I do not want to re-visit matters the Ceann Comhairle might not wish to revisit, but we really cannot win on this side of the House.

I do not disagree with what the Minister has to say in terms of the principle of having a balanced look at the issues associated with the Hill of Tara and Skryne. If, as the Minister says, he will re-examine the matter, I would be happy with that. However, as I understand it, the current position is that the Minister takes the view that the motorway scheme is now agreed and it will not be altered. Any issue of archaeology arising in the course of the construction of the motorway will now be dealt with under the terms of this legislation, which implies that if an inconvenient piece of archaeology presents itself in the line of the motorway the Minister will order it to be removed.

The exercise of ministerial discretion will vary between Ministers. There are Ministers who, when exercising this discretion, will seek advice and act on it, and there are those who will not. It is entirely a matter for the Minister's discretion. The present Minister has a pretty good track record of not taking advice.

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