John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I thank Deputy Phil Hogan for his good wishes and wish him well in his new portfolio. I also wish well the Labour Party spokespersons, Deputies Joanna Tuffy and Ciarán Lynch.

My primary function as Minister responsible for heritage is to protect our archaeological heritage and this is what I intend to do. On taking office, I said I would not only conduct an archaeological review but also err on the side of caution regarding archaeological heritage. I appointed an expert on Tara, Professor Conor Newman, with whom Deputy Phil Hogan might be familiar. Deputy Shane McEntee certainly knows him because they have spoken on many occasions. Deputy McEntee knows Professor Newman has an exemplary record in respect of heritage in the area and the latter has spoken very highly of the Deputy.

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