James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

The budget contains nothing in respect of protecting and managing our heritage resource. It is part of our development and is linked with the tourism industry. When can we expect the national monuments Bill to come before the House? A huge number of controversies have crept into the system in this area since Deputy John Gormley took over the Environment, Heritage and Local Government portfolio. He is seemingly turning a blind eye to many of the controversies. Maybe the smell of the diesel State car is having an effect on him.

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