John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The proposal to move the Turoe Stone to a climatically controlled indoor environment has been put forward in the light of professional advice that this was the only way in which further serious damage and deterioration in the Stone's condition can be avoided. However, I have asked my Department's National Monuments Service to examine in detail all aspects of the ongoing and future, conservation, protection and presentation of the Turoe Stone in consultation with the Office of Public Works, the National Museum of Ireland and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, as appropriate. As part of that exercise a number of suggested interim alternative locations for the national monument in County Galway will also be examined from the point of view of their suitability or otherwise.

My Department met with Galway City and County Council officials in the matter in December 2007 and I have asked the Department to keep the two local authorities and local public representatives informed of further developments. Under national statutory provisions in relation to archaeological heritage protection, in accordance with Section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended), any works proposed in relation to a national monument, including any movement or alteration thereof require the consent of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, following consultation with the Director of the National Museum of Ireland. With regard to relevant international agreements, Ireland ratified the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Valletta Convention) in 1997. Under the terms of the Convention the Parties undertake to implement measures for the physical protection of the archaeological heritage. Measures to be undertaken include making provision as circumstances demand for archaeological heritage conservation and maintenance, preferably in situ where feasible, but also making provision for appropriate storage places for archaeological remains which have been removed from their original location. The archaeological principle of a presumption in favour of preservation in situ is part of the Department's established policy on archaeology as set out in the 1999 publication "Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage".

At all times in considering how best to protect the integrity of the Turoe Stone, the provisions of the National Monuments Acts and, in the broader context, the obligations of the Valletta Convention have been, and will continue to be, adhered to and respected. My Department's aim in this matter is to ensure the long-term protection of the national monument for current and future generations in accordance with best archaeological practice and with national and international law.