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

The term "archaeological heritage" as drafted in the Bill and by making reference to the term "relevant things" provides for an extensive set of structures, sites, objects, deposits, constructions, features and wrecks. While acknowledging the importance of linking the Bill to the Valletta Convention, in this instance, using the term "archaeological heritage" as defined in Valletta would create several problems. For example, the version used in the Bill specifies that sites and structures, etc., must be of archaeological interest in order to be considered archaeological heritage. This condition is missing from the term used in the convention. I am satisfied that the items listed in the proposed amendment are all provided for under the definition used in this Bill and for this reason the proposed amendment is not considered necessary. I am not in a position to accept this amendment.