asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the concern which is felt at the proposal to sell further books from the Kings Inns Library; and if he will initiate discussions with the Benchers so as to arrange for the acquisition by the State of books of historical interest so that they can be retained in the national interest.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Valuable Books.
103.
The legal position is that the Benchers of The Honourable Society of Kings Inns are at liberty to dispose of books from their library within the provisions of the Documents and Pictures (Regulation of Export) Act, 1945, and, in the circumstances, I am not satisfied that any useful purpose would be served at present by entering into discussions with the Benchers in the matter. As I indicated on an earlier occasion, the terms of the Act are being reviewed for the purpose of ascertaining whether amending legislation may be necessary or desirable.
I may mention that at the forthcoming sale of the books in question the National Library proposes to seek to acquire one item which is not already in its possession.