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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 5

Written Answers. - Book of Kells.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

137 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will facilitate the arrangement of a meeting between the Bursar of Trinity College, Dublin, and Kells Urban District Council members to explore the Government's wish, on the basis of statements made by her, that a volume of the Book of Kells will be loaned to the Urban District Council for its new heritage centre for one month during the summer 2001; and if, at this meeting, all of the elected Deputies from the Meath constituency will be invited to attend; if she will outline publicly the Government's view of support for this proposed project, similar to the Government's approval of a volume of the Book of Kells being transported to Australia in 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25517/00]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

My statutory role as Minister in relation to past and possible future loans by Trinity College, Dublin, of sections of the Book of Kells is solely to consider the issue of granting an export licence if it is proposed that the book should leave the country.

A decision regarding any loan now or in the future of the Book of Kells is a matter for Trinity College.

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