The Valletta Convention provides the basis for all national policy on protection of the archaeological heritage. In 1999, in the context of furthering implementation of the Convention in Ireland, two policy documents were published: Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage and Policy and Guidelines on Archaeological Excavation. The first of these sets out the basic principles of national policy on the protection of the archaeological heritage and is directed, in particular, at those undertaking or authorising development. By promoting full consideration of the archaeological heritage in the development process, it seeks to avoid unnecessary and damaging conflict between protection of the archaeological heritage and development. The principles set out in the document expand on those contained in the Valletta Convention and also draw on the principles of the ICOMOS (1990) Charter on the Protection and Management of the Archaeological Heritage. Key aspects of the principles set out in the Framework and Principles document are as follows (and see in particular Part III of the document):
- emphasis on the non-renewable nature of the archaeological heritage and, arising from this, the need for a presumption in favour of preservation in situ and avoidance of impacts by development on that heritage
- the need to preserve by record if preservation in situ is not possible
- the importance of the fullest possible level of pre-development archaeological assessment, both in respect of known sites and as yet unidentified ones
- the need for archaeological monitoring in certain circumstances to ensure that archaeological sites, whether known or as yet unidentified, are preserved either in situ or by record
- acknowledgement that the costs of archaeological work necessitated by development are a legitimate part of development costs.
The Policy and Guidelines on Archaeological Excavation follows from the general principles and policies referred to above and addresses particular issues relating to archaeological excavation. Such issues include:
- grounds on which a proposed archaeological excavation may be considered justified
- the assessment of the competence and previous record of applicants for excavation licences
- the preparation and submission by applicants of appropriate excavation strategies
- requirements regarding publication of results of archaeological excavations.