Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Again, I thank Deputy for raising this matter. Over the past five years we have walked most of the mountain ranges of Ireland with some of our colleagues, and I know he has a real passionate and genuine interest in archaeology and the protection of our uplands. I thank him very much for that. I am confident the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is particularly pleased to see a demonstration of such interest in this central part of her brief as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and a matter which all Members of the House will, no doubt, consider to be of great public interest. She wishes these sentiments to be conveyed to the Deputy.

I again assure the Deputy that all appropriate steps are being taken in this case. As serious as the matter undoubtedly is, it appears, based on the information so far available, that the matter can be remedied.

As has been outlined, the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004 provide robust protection for our most important national monuments, and the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is absolutely determined to enforce these provisions, working in close co-operation with other authorities, particularly An Garda Síochána. The investigation of the present case is at an early stage but the Minister can say happily that the past experience of her Department has been that An Garda Síochána takes such incidents very seriously and works with determination to resolve them.

The National Monuments Acts provide for the erection of signs at national monuments of which the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is owner or guardian. The actual erection and maintenance of such signs is a matter for the Office of Public Works. In regard to this particular case, the Minister will discuss with the Office of Public Works whether there is a need for any additional signage at the monument. That could help, as some people do not realise the value of these particular sites. I will also bring to her attention the issue of motorbike and scrambler usage in those areas.

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