Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State. I also welcome the publication of this Bill and the opportunity to speak on it. Varying views have been expressed on both sides of the House but we all agree on the responsibility to preserve our heritage. Senator Bannon noted the different types of heritage we have in Ireland and nobody in this House has ever said that we have no responsibility in that area.

Early planning is essential in getting the right balance between preservation and development. That is what this Bill is about, particularly with regard to the sites mentioned. Regarding roads, a mechanism is in place to allow for the earliest possible involvement of archaeologists. It is a code of practice in place between the Department and the NRA. Archaeologists are involved from the earliest stages of route selection right through the process, including the environmental impact survey. It also allows for dealing with an unexpected discovery in the course of a development, as has happened recently in Waterford. No matter what type of development in involved, we all know there is always a possibility that some find will be made in the course of it and the mechanisms are already in place to deal with such finds. The Bill underscores and strengthens that process.

Senator Ross described in detail the Carrickmines situation, which he knows well. Action must be taken because it involves interests of safety, the economy and the greater good. A 10 km. section of road which should have taken two years to build is unfinished in its seventh year, which must make us a laughing stock. Following the court decision in January it was clear that some action had to be taken. This legislation is a wholly appropriate response to what has become a farcical situation. Some 130 archaeologists have devoted time to Carrickmines at a cost of more than €6 million. Despite everything that has gone on, 90% of the site will be preserved and left intact in an area of one and a half acres which will not be impacted on by the motorway. That must be considered preservation of the highest standard.

Unexpected discoveries can be made, but when a mechanism is in place to remove, research and adequately preserve whatever is found, that is the balance needed. That is what this Bill is about. Regarding the Hill of Tara and the Skryne site, Senator Bannon is aware that the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has heard speakers on both sides of the argument. The general wisdom among the expert opinions I have come across is that the proposed route will have the least impact of all of the proposals regarding what we all agree is one of our most valued national attractions. There are other possible sites which have come up again in the course of excavations currently going on. If these are properly investigated and any significant finds removed or preserved, it is in the wider interest that work should continue on the site.

One speaker mentioned consultation. There is a great deal of consultation. As Senator Ross noted, anyone is entitled to make his or her opinion known. Archaeology is like other areas of expertise — one can put ten archaeologists in a room and get ten different interpretations of what is on the ground. That is natural. When we go through the different developments which have taken place, particularly at Carrickmines, someone must take responsibility. The current Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has no difficulty taking such responsibility.

Regarding Woodstown in Waterford, the investigation is ongoing there, again at the behest of the Minister. As this unfolds, the right decisions will be made. There will be as many consultations as possible on the issues. The Bill modernises legislation which could never have envisaged the scale of development we currently have, even up to the publication of the last Monuments Act in 1994. Even then, particularly in Dublin, there was not half the amount of development that has taken place in the past ten years. Naturally enough, while all this development is going on, given the nature of Irish history, it is only natural that discoveries are made and will be made far into the future as cities and towns develop. As the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, indicated, this legislation is part of an ongoing process to consolidate all the monuments legislation in effect since the 1930s. When one considers the level of development that has taken place around the country, in rural as well as urban areas, including holiday homes, interpretative centres and recreational facilities, we must have a framework in place. The Minister has indicated that such a framework will be worked on and brought forward either later this year or early in the new year.

The Government's policy of better regulation is aimed at avoiding duplication in respect of applications. Avoiding duplication when issuing licences or consent by changing from a three tier system to a single tier system is to be welcomed. It will mean less administration and give responsibility for decision-making to the Minister, in consultation with the National Museum, which is appropriate. One is not asking experts for their opinion just to pass the time of day but in order to make a decision based on the information received. Being in Government is about listening to people and making decisions, based on what one is told, particularly in regard to this legislation.