Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

The figure of €6 million was, therefore, a conservative figure. The Government and the Opposition must act responsibly when taxpayers' money is involved. On the negative side, I am concerned about the provision that the director of the National Museum must respond within 14 days because I regard that as too short a time even though I understand the need for progress and efficiency. On the provision regarding the discretion of the Minister, different Ministers are interested in different things and that is the reality of the world. It is a question of trust. When dealing with issues of archaeology, history and cultural issues, a Minister might not necessarily have an interest in those matters and may be interested solely in pet projects and that is a cause for concern.

The decision to set aside the order of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding the works on the M50 at Carrickmines was the basis on which the Government orders of 1996 and 2002, transferring certain functions of the OPW under the National Monuments Acts, were deemed invalid. The High Court described this as a "technical glitch" and that is accepted by all. That is a fair comment and technical matters cannot be allowed stand in the way of progress. However, many people were of the opinion that the proposed National Monuments Bill should be a measured response to the issue. The Minister noted that during the drafting of the Bill it became clear that resolution of the issue required a number of amendments to the national monuments code to ensure the proposed revised procedures met the requirements of the EU directives on EISs,hence the delay in drafting the Bill.

The purpose of the Bill is to re-enact section 14 of the National Monuments Act to provide a one-tier consent process for works to a national monument whereby the consent of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is sought. The Bill also provides that the National Museum is consulted when such consent is sought. I raised the matter of 14 days' notice but it is also important that there is provision for consultation with the director of the National Museum.

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