asked the Minister for Education whether his attention has been called to the Report of a Commission appointed by the British Government to examine the administration and organisation of national galleries, museums, and libraries in Great Britain, and whether he will consider the appointment of a committee with similar terms of reference to consider the administration and organisation of such institutions in the Saorstát.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Museums and Libraries in the Saorstát
I have seen the report of the Commission referred to, but I do not consider that there is need for the appointment of a Commission with similar terms of reference to conduct an inquiry into corresponding institutions in the Saorstát. Somewhat over two years ago a committee was appointed
"to inquire into and report to the Minister for Education upon the main purposes that should be served by the National Museum; the needs of the Museum, if it is to fulfil these purposes effectively, and the reorganisation, if any, which may be necessary in order to enable it to supply those needs."
The committee duly presented its report, and in consequence the National Museum is at the present moment actually being reorganised. I am not aware of any special need for an inquiry into the administration or organisation of the National Library or the National Gallery.
Did the Departmental Committee refer to the subject of increasing the attractions for the public to the Museum or to the subject of evening openings, both of which are referred to in the British Report? And will the Minister further consider this question?
I am willing to consider this question. Speaking from memory I do not know whether the Committee referred to these questions but there is a reference in portion of the report to separate exhibitions from time to time of individual exhibits and matters connected with them. I shall look over the report again and see if I can lay it upon the Table so that Deputies might take an opportunity of seeing what is in it.
Is it not an anomaly that the British Report is available to Deputies in the Library while our own report is not?