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

Cuirim fáilte roimh na daltaí agus na múinteoirí freisin.

It is difficult to see the necessity of this proposed amendment. The Bill has been purposely designed to ensure the relevant aspects of Valletta are given effect. These are supporting finds of archaeological heritage, protection of monuments or the prevention of illicit excavations. Following the pre-legislative scrutiny the Long Title of the Bill has been amended to state that one of the purposes of the Bill is to give further effect to the Valletta Convention. In addition, the Bill specifically requires licensing authorities to adhere to Valletta when granting or refusing to grant a licence under the Bill. I am of the view that it is self-evident that nothing in the Bill violates the Valletta Convention. For this reason, I do not consider the proposed amendment to be necessary and I am not in a position to accept this amendment.