Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I would like to ask about No. 4 on today's Order Paper, the National Monuments (Amendment) Bill. When we were notified about the legislation last week, we were informed that this was a simple Bill to allow for the completion of the M50 motorway at Carrickmines. However, when it was published on the day of the election we discovered it is about much more than that. It will allow the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, at his discretion, to demolish, sell or export any national monument. It is a Bill of much greater significance than was initially announced. I object to its being taken today so soon after its publication in view of its significance. Will the Tánaiste indicate the Government's intention regarding the enactment of this legislation?

If it was still the proposed simple Bill only to deal with Carrickmines, I would be disposed to co-operating with the Government on it. However, in view of the wider significance of the Bill, what is the Government's intention regarding its enactment? Is it its intention to have it enacted prior to the summer recess or will sufficient time be given for its consideration in view of its much wider significance?

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