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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

National monuments and Moore Street

Summary

Gerry Adams requests progress on national-monuments legislation and intervention over the proposed redevelopment of Moore Street. The Taoiseach schedules the Bill for the following year and says the responsible Minister is examining the consequences of Dublin City Council’s decision.

Tá a fhios agam agus táim ag déileáil le sin. I understand that the stated intention of the forthcoming national monuments Bill is to consolidate and update the legislative code governing the protection and regulation of the national archaeological heritage. I welcome that and would like an update on that Bill's progress. In light of the decision by Dublin City Council to vote against a proposed land swap with Chartered Land that would have seen the historic battlefield site of Moore Street demolished, will the Taoiseach move to intervene and find a resolution? I understand that the national monuments Bill aims to protect and regulate our national heritage. If I recall properly, this battlefield site was described by the Taoiseach as the lanes of history. It is of incredible and profound historic relevance. Given that we are approaching the centenary of the 1916 Rising, will the Government intervene, as it did with Temple Bar and the IFSC, on this matter?

The other issue I wish to raise is the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant. The Taoiseach will recall that last year, the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant were axed by the Government.

Comment on this
Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

We are not dealing with that issue on the Order of Business. It is not promised legislation.

Comment on this

It is - if the Ceann Comhairle will let me finish my point. The Government promised to devise an alternative scheme.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

It did not do so on the Order of Business. It cannot promise on the Order of Business. We are dealing with promised legislation.

Comment on this

We were promised primary legislation for a replacement scheme. That is what we were promised. I note the number of times the Ceann Comhairle has interrupted me as a number of Deputies have interrupted others.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Do not be so sensitive. I am trying to keep order in this Chamber and it is difficult enough. I am not here to worry about everybody's sensibilities. As I treat everybody equally as best I can, do not be so sensitive. Will the Deputy put his question and I will get him an answer.

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I am looking for a timeframe for the introduction of this new scheme, as was promised, and progress under primary legislation, which was also promised.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

On the health (transport support) Bill, I have already indicated to Deputy Micheál Martin that it is due early next year. The national monuments Bill is scheduled for the middle of next year. I met a number of personnel in regard to the issue of Moore Street. It is a complex problem, given the views expressed by the different groupings. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has responsibility for the national monument and made a clear decision on it. Arising from the decision of Dublin City Council, I would like to think time is getting short in terms of it being in a presentable state in 2016. The Deputy will be aware of the allocation for the archives, Kilmainham courthouse and the GPO. It is not unwillingness on the part of the Government; rather, it is due to difficulties with the different groupings as to what they want. Of course, the ground outside the national monument is not owned by the State.

Comment on this

It is owned by NAMA.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

That is another issue being addressed by Dublin City Council and the people.

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It is owned by the State.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I have asked the Minister to examine the consequences of the decision by Dublin City Council to determine what is the best thing to do.

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