Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have not tabled any amendments to this section because the matter I am raising has been provided for. My concern with regard to the transfer of functions from Ordnance Survey Ireland, OSI, relates to the fact that a new board structure will come in. There will be many new ideas. There will be huge pressure in relation to property registration, in particular. Things like zoned land will be key issues. I am a little concerned because it often happens when two bodies merge that some of the functions may not be as pressing or get as much political pressure. I refer, for example, to some of the functions that OSI has in its current mandate in respect of heritage, geographical features and ancient sites. These are all part of the mandate of OSI. I am a little concerned that some of the functions may not get the same attention when we transfer them. That is always the case when two bodies are blended and there are new strategies. I am noting my concern to ensure that when the functions are transferred, some of that geographic work, such as the tracking of our blanket bogs and heritage sites, does not become a poor relation under the new structure. That is a fear I have.

I do not know if we are about to run out of time but I would like to mention another measure. When two bodies blend together and a new body is established, we must ensure there is full archiving. I appeal to those involved to ensure nothing is lost from the physical archives of OSI in any transfer. These archives are extraordinarily important for the history, geographical history and heritage of our State.I appeal to the Minister of State to ensure that those functions which may not get as much political attention but are vitally important are not lost or neglected under new agendas which may come under the body and that the physical archives are fully protected in the transfer.