andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the location and date of searches of historic ships along the Irish coast which, in so far as he is aware, have been carried out in recent years; the likely archaeological and financial value of these ships and their contents; and the qualifications of the persons carrying out the searches.

I am aware that in recent years searches of the following historic ships were made along the Irish coast:—

(1) La Trinidad Valencera at Kinnego Bay, County Donegal. Search of this vessel commenced in 1971.

(2) Santa Maria de la Rosa in the Blasket Sound in 1968 and 1969.

(3) Santa Anna Maria at Castle-townshend, County Cork in 1970.

The other information sought is not available.

Do any safeguards apply under existing legislation regarding the way in which those searches are carried out and in regard to the objects which are found within Irish territorial waters, some of which are obviously of great value considering that those ships carried gold bullion and were part of the Spanish Armada? Is there any safeguard regarding those objects being lodged in the keeping of the Government or some other appropriate body which would look after them in the interests of the Irish people?

The National Monuments Act does not cover wrecks since they are not included in the definition of national monuments therein. The bringing of wrecks within the ambit of the Act would require further legislation. This is being considered at the moment.

Could the Minister give me any indication if such legislation will be introduced and if he intends meanwhile to impose any safeguards or seek on a voluntary basis the manner in which excavations of wrecks within our territorial waters are carried out?

All I can say at this stage is that substantial changes will be necessary and the question of extending protection to wrecked ships of historical importance is being considered in this context. I am afraid I cannot give the Deputy any further information on this matter.

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