Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Nonetheless, I wish the Taoiseach well in his talks with President Bush and Prime Minister Blair. Everybody here wants them to do well but it is cynical and I cannot see it as anything else much and all as I hope it has a positive outcome.

We passed legislation in recent years on the issue of national monuments and important buildings. There was a lot of discussion and full agreement on the need to list houses. I have become aware in the last month that one of the oldest houses in County Kerry, the presbytery in Dingle, built by Count James Louis Rice in order to bring Marie Antoinette to safety in the late 18th century, has been put up for sale by Údarás na Gaeltachta. It is the only building of its type which has its internal parts intact from the day it was built. It would be appalling if this were lost, to be replaced in the centre of Dingle with a couple of apartment blocks. It is an issue of which people of all political colours and none would be supportive. It is a house of extraordinary antiquity and is fundamental to the involvement of the Irish Brigade with the Austrian Army and others and also ties in with the French Revolution and the history of that time.

I ask that the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism be asked to intervene to ensure this sale does not take place. Until recently the house was owned by the clergy. The last seller of the House to Údarás na Gaeltachta, Canónach Ó Fíannachta, noticed that it was to be razed to the ground and replaced by apartments. It is utterly unacceptable that this would happen. Perhaps the Cathaoirleach would intervene.