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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Nov 1956

Vol. 160 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Monsell of Tervoe Shrine.

asked the Minister for Education if he will state the result of his investigation into the disposal outside this country of the Monsell of Tervoe Shrine.

I informed the Deputy in relation to a previous question which he asked in regard to this Shrine on the 9th May last that I had then no idea as to the circumstances in which it left the country. I have not in the meantime obtained any information as to what these circumstances were or how the Shrine came to be disposed of outside of the country.

Is the Minister aware that this shrine is now located in Boston? Surely, after six months, he has taken some steps through our consular representative in Boston to ascertain how the shrine got there. Could the Minister inform the House now?

No. I have taken no steps in the matter.

Is the Minister aware that he informed me and the House, in reply to a supplementary question, that he would investigate the matter further? Is the Minister aware that the shrine is in fact in Boston?

I understand that it is, but I have no machinery, and I feel under no obligation in present circumstances, to carry out any investigations of any kind. The Deputy will remember that this was supposed to be a massive piece of sculpture.

That was sarcasm.

I see. It now turns out to be one of these small shrines, 4¼ × 3¾ × 1½. I have no responsibility for investigating who has any articles of value of an historical or archaeological kind in the country and I have no machinery for investigating circumstances under which any such articles may leave the country. Neither do I consider that it is desirable that I should undertake an investigation of one kind or another.

Does the Minister not agree that if this national treasure was allowed out of the country there must be some imperfections in the existing machinery whereunder such a thing can happen?

That is an entirely separate question.

He should answer it anyway.

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