asked the Minister for Finance in respect of the archaeological excavation carried out at the Church of Saint Mel in Longford in 1967: (a) where the objects found in the excavation have been lodged; (b) the amount of State grant paid towards the excavation; (c) if he has received any report on it; (d) if a report has been lodged in accordance with section 23 of the National Monuments Act, 1930; (e) if the objects found may be inspected by the general public; (f) if they have been adequately conserved; and (g) if a report on the excavation has been published.

The few portable objects found in the excavation at the site of the Church of St. Mel at Ardagh, County Longford are retained in University College, Dublin, where they can be inspected by the general public. They did not need conservation.

A grant of £3,600 was made towards this project by the Commissioners of Public Works. A report has not been lodged in accordance with section 23 of the National Monuments Act, 1930. The excavator furnished the commissioners with a report but no report has been published on the excavation.

What action does the Minister propose taking in view of the fact that the report was not lodged in accordance with section 23 of the National Monuments Act, 1930? Furthermore, can the Minister say how the public may gain access to these objects in UCD, whether they are on continuous public display, or are in a drawer somewhere?

They are on display in UCD.

Where?

I do not know.

Is there a place for exhibitions in UCD?

They are in UCD at present.

On display?

Where they can be inspected by the general public.

How may they be inspected? The Minister is responsible for the information——

I have given the Deputy the information; I presume they may be inspected with one's eyes.

Are they available in a public place, for public display, or are they a private collection——

They are available for public inspection in UCD.

How may they be seen?

With one's eyes.

With or without notice; does one have to give notice if one wishes to see these objects?

I have given the reply, that they are available for public inspection at UCD.

With or without notice?

If the Deputy wants information regarding times and places then he should put down a question to that effect, but they are available for public inspection there at present.

What action does the Minister propose taking in view of the fact that the provisions of section 23 of the 1930 Act have not been complied with?

The excavator is not obliged to publish a report of an excavation.

That is not what the section is really about. Section 23 is about reporting within six months of the finding of objects and the Minister has stated already that the provisions of that section were not complied with. I am asking what action he proposes to take in the matter.

It is not easy to take any action.

Why not?

Because it is for the Garda Síochána and the National Museum, that they must report under section 23.

Has the matter been reported to the authorities who are competent to take action?

But it is understood that the archaeologists in question read a paper on the subject at the Royal Irish Academy.

I am asking about the reporting within six months of the finding of objects, not the publication of a scientific paper. I am asking the Minister what action he proposes taking about the failure to report the objects being found.

None at present.

21.