Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am speaking to the change in the title, which is the subject matter of amendments Nos. 2 to 4, inclusive. When it was first submitted, the Bill was under the remit of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. It is extraordinary that when the Department was effectively divided in two and responsibility for rural and regional affairs moved into a new Department - I have engaged constructively with the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Ring, in respect of his Department - the Bill did not move to the new Department. Why is the Bill proceeding within the remit of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when it does not contain any provisions to strengthen heritage or address heritage concerns? The reason for the lengthy debates in the Dáil and in this House is that this is an issue of serious concern. There has been lengthy discussion of rural and regional affairs, including concerns about roads which come under the remit of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. However, in terms of heritage, we have yet to see an argument made as to how this Bill will enhance or strengthen our heritage. Rather, we have seen evidence, which has been consistently disregarded, that it will damage the natural heritage we pass on to the generations ahead. It is relevant in terms of the departmental title and the roles of the Minister.