asked the Minister for Finance whether he made an Order prohibiting the admission of visitors to the shrine of Saint Ciaran, Clonmacnois, Offaly, and, if so, when, and what publicity was given to this Order.

No formal Order of the nature referred to was made. An extensive scheme of works is in hands and during the early stages it was thought desirable to close the site to visitors. A notice to that effect was displayed at the gates. Access to the site is, however, again permissible but it is necessary for the time being, from the points of view of the safety of the public and of the interests of the work, to restrict somewhat the movement of visitors within the area.