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

Section 77 permits the granting of a lease or licence in respect of land comprising a national monument in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister or a local authority. What is meant by a lease or licence under section 77 is permission by a property owner that permits a person to enter on lands without creating the relationship of landlord and tenant. It does not mean a licence under the Bill enabling the carrying out of works, as is made clear by the reference to section 151 in subsections 77(1) and 77(2). Section 77 also provides that the granting of a lease or licence must be compatible with subsection 75(1) regarding the maintenance of the archaeological interest, etc. of the relevant national monument.

I note the points the Senator made relating to the spiritual or cultural integrity of a site but this is quite specific. I will not accept amendments Nos. 30 or 31.