With regard to the Minister's reference to the Armada find off the Sligo coast, is it his intention to take any initiative regarding the setting up of a fund to finance the costs of the ongoing development there?

While I realise that the Minister brought this on the House, it is still a separate question.

It arises from the Minister's reply.

The goose and the gander.

At the moment, the main emphasis is on preservation and this involves the Office of Public Works. They are dealing with the people who are involved in the search. Naturally, this is something in which I have great interest. I would be very keen to see these artefacts on display near the location in which they have been found.

Does the Minister intend, as Minister of State in this area, to take any initiative, rather than leaving it with the Office of Public Works?

I can assure the House that any initiative possible will be taken by me in this respect. I have a particular interest in the matter and I applaud the alacrity with which people from Sligo contacted me early this morning with a view to doing something about it.

I hope the Minister will do something about it and so do the people.