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

This group of amendments covers several matters relating to licences issued under section 151 of the Bill. Examples of these amendments include: technical amendments relating to the granting of, or a refusal to grant, individual licensable activities as part of a licence application; amendments relating to conditions that may be attached to a licence; provision that further licensable activities that may be required as a condition of a licence will not be exempted from requiring a licence; provision for refusal to grant a licence due to non-compliance with a previous licence; provision for consultation with authorities in other states that have responsibilities for historic heritage; and provision for time limits for licence consultations.

Finally, Chapters 4 and 5 of Part 10 endow officers and agents of the relevant authorities under the Bill with a range of powers, for example, in relation to the carrying out of inspections and archaeological excavations. Dáil amendment No. 163 makes it clear that the fact that something is done under those powers will not exempt it from the licensing requirements established under the Bill. This is an important clarification which should provide reassurance that the relevant authorities will operate to the same high standards as will be required of others undertaking licensable activities under the Bill.