asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider recommending to Dublin Corporation to take steps to preserve the archaeological remains of the medieval town at Wood Quay.

Dublin Corporation have available to them the advice and assistance of the National Museum and, as disclosed in the recent proceedings in the High Court, have been acting in a responsible manner in relation to the Wood Quay site. As matters stand, it is for the corporation to decide to what extent preservation of features is practical and desirable and, at this stage, I do not consider it necessary that I should make any recommendations.

Has the Minister power to make a recommendation? Has he authority to override the corporation decision in a matter of this kind?

It is primarily for the corporation, as owners of the site, to decide if this is so and, accordingly, whether the feature is worth preserving or not. The National Monuments Act, 1930, defines a national monument as a monument or remains of a monument the preservation of which is a matter of national importance by reason of historic, architectural, traditional, artistic or archaeological interest attaching thereto. Section 12 requires the local authority, the owner of such monuments, to maintain it, irrespective of whether the monument is being listed as a national monument by the Commissioners of Public Works. I should add that the commissioners have over-riding power.

The Minister has no power at all?

The commissioners have over-riding power, not the Minister.

Why would the corporation have to submit their plans to the Minister?

Only for the sanction of a loan.

On this point which has raised a lot of concern within the Dublin area, have the Department at any stage communicated to the corporation their attitude on the necessity to preserve the archaeological remains on the site, those which have been found and the possible new finds which might exist there? Has there been any formal communication from the Minister's Department since he became Minister?

I recall one communication. I am speaking from memory. I think it had to do with whether everybody was satisfied the archaeological site was being protected. That is as I recall it.

Was an inquiry ever made to the corporation from the Department?

Those are separate questions.

I cannot be definite speaking from memory, but there was an inquiry at some level.

Would the Minister agree to exercise the not unsubstantial influence he would have with the powers that be to ensure that the wishes of the Dublin City Council and the Dublin City Manager with respect to this site are carried out, that is, that every last spoonful of worthwhile material would be excavated before any destructive building could be carried out? Will he take the initiative in expressing his will in this matter?

Since the National Museum are involved I would think the Department of Education would be involved as well as the Department of the Environment.

I will ask the Minister for Education about it, but will the Minister do his bit?

Can these bodies influence the corporation if the corporation decide to go ahead? Can the commissioners prevent the corporation from going ahead?

As I have said, the corporation——

The corporation have the final word?

The commissioners have over-riding power.

Over the corporation?

The Commissioners of Public Works have over-riding power. They may make a preservation order under section 3 of the 1954 National Monuments (Amendment) Act whereby they would undertake the preservation of the monument.

Will the Minister take an initiative with the corporation?

I have not got the over-riding power.

I know that, but as a concerned Minister?

Question No. 23.