> It is against the law in Ireland to search for archaeological objects using a metal detector unless written permission has been given. Penalties can be up to three months in prison or a fine of up to €63,486 (£53,435).
Written permission from who? He was on his own farmland. You have to write a plea to the government to request permission to use a metal detector on your own land? And, if that's the case, are such requests usually granted? What's the rationale here, and what harms does this permission-first system aim to prevent?
> It is understood, however, that Dunne will not face charges.
If it's a bad law that they're making a point of not enforcing, why not repeal the law?
Written permission from who? He was on his own farmland. You have to write a plea to the government to request permission to use a metal detector on your own land? And, if that's the case, are such requests usually granted? What's the rationale here, and what harms does this permission-first system aim to prevent?
> It is understood, however, that Dunne will not face charges.
If it's a bad law that they're making a point of not enforcing, why not repeal the law?
So many questions.