Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will first point out to the Deputy that I was in the area looking at flooding issues and I was asked if I would go to the Hill of Tara. I am aware first-hand of what our heritage stands for. I was the first one to give free admission to heritage sites to children under 12. This brought in 47,000 children to visit all our heritage sites. This year I introduced free admission for people with disabilities and their carers to all heritage sites. The Deputy does not have to lecture me on what I do not know. I visit most of our heritage sites, whether I tell the public representatives or not. I want to see the issues first hand to see if I can address them.

I agree with Deputy Byrne that there is a bit more work to be done with regard to the Hill of Tara. I have met the local authority and it has outlined the issues. This group has been set up in relation to those findings. We should wait for the outcome of that management plan. The Deputy has never made representations to me on the Hill of Tara. If he had, I would have taken up the issue. Deputy Byrne has tabled his questions today and I am dealing with them, but as soon as the report comes, we will have that discussion.

See this speech in context