asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that it was reported and later contradicted that a Papal Bull by His Holiness Pope Adrian referring to Ireland was recently sold, and, if so, if he will state which report was correct, and if he will take steps to ensure that in the event of documents of historic value to the Irish people becoming available at a reasonable price he will take steps to purchase them.
Questions— Written Answers. - Sale of Papal Bull.
I have no information, beyond that given in the Press, as to whether such a Papal Bull was recently sold. As far as can be ascertained, if there was such a sale, it was a private transaction and so not conducted through the usual trade channels.
With regard to the second part of the question, it is the normal policy of the Department to take such steps.