Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The current Title of the Bill, as proposed by the Parliamentary Counsel, reflects the broad scope of the Bill while also focusing on a central element of the provisions contained therein.

The term "historic heritage", as defined in section 2 of the Bill, encompasses a wide range of different heritage areas and interests, and I cannot see why "cultural heritage" should be listed in the Title. To do so would give an impression that cultural heritage is somehow provided for in a way that goes over and beyond other aspects of historic heritage covered by the Bill, and that is not the case.

In contrast, "archaeological heritage" features in the Title because many central elements of the Bill have been developed in order that the proposed legislation will become the core legislative code for the archaeological sector. This includes provision for archaeological monuments, archaeological objects, archaeological excavations and archaeological inventories.

While we all know how important our national monuments are, within the overall scope of the Bill, provisions relating to national monuments are a relatively small element. For this reason a decision was made to move away from the term "monuments" in the Title of the Bill, to avoid it being too narrowly focused.

The addition of the term "Miscellaneous Provisions" in the Title is required following the addition of Part 13 to the Bill and the priority provisions contained therein.

I assure the Deputy that much thought and consideration have gone into this matter - we discussed it at length on Committee Stage - but for the reasons I have outlined I am unable to accept this amendment.

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