Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Suffice it to say, the Department is monitoring the matter closely and today was in touch with the archaeologist who is the licence holder for the Scholarstown site. As I stated, I understand that the excavation is complete, although I await a report on it, which is required to be submitted under the terms of the licence in any event. We have requested, and received, an interim report on the findings thus far and the results are consistent with the view of the site that emerged from the initial assessment, namely, that the site is likely to represent a form of medieval settlement enclosure that was subsequently used for burial. I understand that although it is of archaeological interest and the results of the excavation are important, it is not a unique or unusual site but instead is quite common. Now that the excavation has been completed, all the archaeological deposits have been carefully and scientifically removed. As a result, the site is no longer of significant archaeological interest and there is no basis for making it subject to legal protection under the National Monuments Acts. The focus should be on ensuring that a full and detailed report on the findings is prepared and made available to all who are interested. The National Monuments Service will focus on this in liaison with the holder of the excavation licence, who is legally bound to prepare such a report.

The Deputy mentioned a ring fort but my understanding is that it does not exist. Rather, there are remnants of ditches; it is not a ring fort at all, and there is nothing above the ground. He also referred to skeletal remains but all the bones have been removed and will be carbon-dated and examined by an osteoarchaeologist. They have been taken into care in perpetuity by the National Museum of Ireland.

See this speech in context