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

Many issues have been raised, particularly around oral heritage and oral traditions. There are many elements that are afforded support and protection in other ways, be it through local authorities, archivists and other mechanisms not specific to this Bill. What we are trying to protect in this Bill is a result of cultural heritage. It is a result of cultures creating these objects and these relevant things. That is not to discount the significance of what the Senator is setting out to achieve with these amendments. I take on board all the issues the Senator raised about intangible cultural heritage. As I said in my first response, this is quite specific. I said we would further review the possible incorporation of the term "cultural interest" into the definition of "relevant interest". The Senator will appreciate that it is quite a significant piece of work to do so. If possible, we might look at that on Committee Stage in the Dáil, if the term cultural "interest" can be integrated.