Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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203. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which the archaeological excavation of any selected historical sites has been considered; if any priorities have been identified in line with international best practice in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17116/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My principal role in relation to archaeological excavation is as licensing authority under section 26 of the National Monuments Act 1930. A person may not dig or excavate for the purposes of searching for archaeological objects, or any for any other archaeological purpose, other than in accordance with a licence from my Department.

In 2014 I granted 462 archaeological excavation licences. The majority of licences each year are for archaeological excavations on behalf of applicants for planning or other development consents to assess or mitigate the impact of development on known or possible archaeological sites. My Department provides advice to planning authorities and other bodies on the need for such archaeological excavation on a case by case basis.

My Department has for many years provided an annual allocation to the Royal Irish Academy to fund a small number of archaeological research excavations. I understand that the Academy funded seven projects from its allocation of €70,000 in 2014. I have provided an increased allocation of €80,000 for 2015 and it will be a matter for Academy to prioritise the projects that will be funded this year. My Department also makes an annual provision (some €26,000 in the current year) for “rescue” excavations that are undertaken in response to emergency situations where archaeological features are deteriorating or are otherwise in danger and their preservation is not a practical option.

Conservation works by the Office of Public Works at national monuments of which I am owner or guardian may sometimes involve archaeological excavations. The information and knowledge gleaned from such activities makes a significant contribution to the understanding, appreciation and presentation of important national monuments, as well as providing a valuable resource for the professional and educational sectors. I have provided €30,000 for the publication of such reports in 2015.

All licensed archaeological excavations, whatever the reason, are subject to conditions requiring that they be conducted to an appropriate standard and that reports on the findings are lodged with my Department. In accordance with my Department’s published policy document, Policy and Guidelines on Archaeological Excavation, which is available on our website, only appropriately qualified and experienced personnel are granted such licenses.

I am satisfied that the arrangements in place for governing archaeological excavations in Ireland fully reflect best international standards, in particular the requirements of the 1992 Council of Europe European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Revised)to which Ireland is a party.