asked the Minister for Education the approximate number of archaeological objects reported to have been found in licensed archaeological excavations in the past ten years but not lodged by the archaeologist responsible in the National Museum; if any of the objects are retained in private collections or have been or are liable to be sold commercially.

Approximately 7,600 archaeological objects reported to have been found in licensed excavations in the past ten years have not been lodged in the National Museum. I do not have information about the retention of objects in private collections or about the sale of such objects.

Does the Minister agree it is regrettable that he is not able to give the House an assurance that none of these reported objects has been exported for private gain?

I cannot say whether they have been but the Deputy knows that anybody who would wish to export any objects of this kind would have to get a licence from the Minister for Education.

Is the Minister aware that it is impossible to enforce that requirement because there is not customs clearance of things going out of the country, only those coming in? Does he agree he should take powers to have all materials excavated on licence at public expense examined on a regular basis to ensure that they will not be exported for private gain?

I inherited this problem from the Deputy. If it is regrettable now, it was more regrettable during the four years of his term of office.

It is regrettable at any time, and I am asking the Minister to address himself to the problem rather than engage in this sort of activity. Will he give me an assurance that this will be attended to?

I have already told the Deputy that it is my concern to remedy this situation.

Will the Minister say whether lodgment in the National Museum is required by law of archaeologists who discover something in licensed excavations?

No.

The Deputy's party voted down a Bill to put that right which we introduced six months ago.

It is a pity the Deputy did not do it when he was in power.