Alan Kelly
Question:207. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to ensure the survival of a museum (details supplied). [49133/21]
View answerTuesday, 12 October 2021
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The Great Famine was a time which radically altered the course of Irish history and of American history. Many thousands of Irish emigrants fleeing Ireland at that time found refuge and a new home in the United States, and many of these are the ancestors of the 30 million Americans who now claim Irish heritage.
Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum on the grounds of Quinnipiac University campus holds an impressive collection of art, artefacts and literature related to the Famine. Showcasing collections such as these is important in ensuring the story of where the Irish people came from is not forgotten, and the Museum has played an important role in that.
The Government of Ireland believes it important that a new home be found for this collection in the months ahead. The aim should be to re-house the collection so that the works it contains remain accessible to the public and researchers alike. Should another museum or institution be identified to host the collection, my Department would be happy to discuss if there are any ways we can offer support.