asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the recent statement by a leading European expert, that the Wood Quay site was the second most important archaeological excavation in Northern Europe, and that additional time would be required to complete the work there, and if he will act on this recommendation.

In replying to the Deputy's question of the 14 December 1977 regarding Wood Quay, I thought I made it clear that my only function in this matter related to loan sanction in respect of the office development, a function which has been discharged.

I have seen a newspaper report of the statement mentioned, but since the matter is not one in which I have any function, I do not consider that any intervention by me is warranted. As I said before, the corporation is acting in a responsible manner. I understand that they have given a formal undertaking to facilitate the further excavation thought proper by the National Museum or the Commissioners of Public Works. It is not for me to consider whether the statement in question introduces any new element.

Would the Minister not agree, first of all, that no construction work should commence until portion of the site has been fully excavated and, secondly, that no building should take place on a part of the site where there are remains of such a character that they should be preserved in situ from an archeological point of view, from the point of view of our national heritage and from a tourist point of view? I have a further question but perhaps the Minister would answer that first.

As I said in my reply, I have no function other than the sanction of a loan. The Commissioners of Public Works have a function but I do not have any further function.

Would the Minister not admit in saying that he has no function, that the Government have a function to preserve our national heritage because he is part of this Government with collective responsibility? To whom should we address ourselves in order to ensure that the points I have made are taken into account and that our national heritage is preserved appropriately?

The Department of Finance—because of the Office of Public Works coming under its aegis —and the Minister for Education has a function because——

I think we had better put a question to the Taoiseach.