Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

This amendment seeks to ensure that where particular communities are affected - I have mentioned, in the past, people of particular religious faiths, and ethnic groups such as Travellers - that there would be consultation with those groups regarding something which has the potential to be included in the world heritage list. Article 5(a) of the convention indicates that each State party should "adopt a general policy which aims to give cultural and natural heritage a function in the life of the community, and ... integrate the protection of that heritage into comprehensive planning programmes".

This amendment seeks to include the voices of those most affected by decisions to protect monuments. In particular, I am thinking of local communities, Irish-speaking communities, Travellers, others, and both the geographically local or those who may have a particular relationship with a particular site. In that context, it is just to ensure that consultation.

Where this provision is getting inserted is an issue which I have discussed at great length with the Minister of State before, regarding things like easements and covenants. I welcome the discussion around easements and covenants. There is, generally, a lot of care given to property owners who are affected by issues. They are often seen as the key stakeholders. However, regarding issues of heritage, it is not simply those who may own properties or adjoining properties, or even those who have easements in relation to a property or site - though I have, as the Minister of State knows, argued for their rights in the past - who are significant. It is those who have other relationships and forms of relationship with a heritage site who need to be considered. This is going into Part 3 in respect of the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, but I think it speaks a little bit to some of the previous sections and protections which are robust.

Again, I hope the Minister of State could indicate the approach he plans to take regarding that aspect of the convention.