Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I look forward to Deputy Eoin Ryan doing that. The merits of this Bill have been recorded by the Minster for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Cullen. I support the details of the Bill. With the need to provide for future infrastructure, be it the Waterford bypass or the M3 on the edge of the Tara-Skryne valley, it is important that while we preserve as far as possible our heritage and monuments, a balance needs to be struck between those who want no change and the better good. I strongly support the involvement of the National Museum staff in the investigation of the benefits of excavation. I note that while the director of the National Museum is taking what I consider to be a pragmatic view on the Waterford discovery, others in the sector disagree. We should not get caught up in the hype that the findings in Waterford will result in hundreds of thousands of visitors similar to the Jorvik site at York, about which Deputy Sargent spoke. This site is only a part of the many wider attractions that bring visitors to that historic and culturally rich city.

I mentioned Tallaght, it being a relatively new community, and the attractions there. It has become as much a tourist resort as anywhere else. I mentioned during the debate on Private Members' business on crime and Garda numbers that the Minister of State, Deputy de Valera, represented that area as a Deputy a few years ago and that Tallaght is now a different place. The place she served so well and left in such good order has now developed from what we use to describe as a place which had the population of a city but, unfortunately, through different circumstances, still only had the status of a village. I am pleased that position is now different and Tallaght is now rich in its progress and in the development of the various facilities and services one would expect in a major town.

I acknowledge that we should have regard for our heritage and history. Other colleagues made the point about reaching out to young people in that regard. Whether we represent urban or rural constituencies, we all have a role and a responsibility to promote an awareness of our heritage and history among young people. While some may believe that young people are cynical and sceptical about politics, I notice that when they come here on schools visits, they have an enormous appreciation of the rich history of this House. That is especially due to the excellent work of the staff who conduct tours of Leinster House. I have often listened to what is said as young people are brought on tours of the Houses of the Oireachtas, and they get a clear view of our history and heritage.

Earlier today, I was ambushed by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs who asked me to take about 12 photographs of a group visiting from Donegal. I hope the pictures come out because, as I told them, I am a politician, not a photographer. It is good to promote our sense of history, however, as well as our heritage. Sometimes I sit here, close my eyes and think about the history of these buildings and the people who have passed through over the years. While I am not referring to myself in this regard, I hope some current Deputies will be remembered.

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