asked the Minister for Finance where the Tau Cross was taken after the Rose exhibition; its present location; and if he intends to restore it to its former site.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tau Cross.
48.
The Tau Cross is private property. After the Rosc exhibition it was handed back to its owner, and is still in his possession. Its disposal is a matter for the owner.
Is the Minister aware that this Cross was taken from the site against local people's wishes, and if it was private property, why was it taken without the owner's permission?
The owner wished to have it displayed at the Rosc exhibition and gave it to the exhibition. When the Rosc exhibition was over, it was returned to the owner and is now in his keeping.
Would it not be in the public interest to request the owner to state here and now where in fact this Cross is and would it be restored? This is a matter of national importance.
My information is that the owner is afraid that the people who stole it before might be tempted to steal it again and for that reason he has it in a safe place in his own premises.
Question No. 49.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if it is the gentleman who took the stone from Newgrange to America and brought it back here who advised that it should not be moved?
Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied with the situation?
The answer is "tá".
I am satisfied that the Cross is in safe keeping.
Are you satisfied——
I am satisfied that I have no right to dictate to anybody regarding his private property.
There is no question of dictation.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Bord Fáilte guide to this area which refers to this Cross is inaccurate and that it misleads tourists?
That is a separate question.
The Deputy had better take that up with Bord Fáilte.
It is misleading to tourists.