asked the Minister for Education if he will introduce legislation to control the export of works of art from this country and establish a committee to conserve heritage objects of artistic or historical merit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Works of Art.
4.
The Documents and Pictures (Regulation of Exports) Act, 1945, and the National Monuments Act, 1930, and National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1954, already affect the export of paintings, documents and archaeological objects. I am reviewing this legislation, but it must be realised that export control of this sort is difficult to enforce.
As regards the establishment of a committee to conserve heritage objects of artistic or historical merit it should be under section 21 of the National Monuments Act, 1930. The National Monuments Advisory Council has been set up by the Minister for Finance to give advice and assistance to the Commissioners of Public Works on matters relating to the provisions of that Act. Furthermore, expert advice is available from the Directors of the National Museum, National Library and the National Gallery and their respective staffs and indeed from outside sources if there is need in a particular case.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary ensure that the examination by the proposed committee of the possibility of exercising control over these objects will be expedited? Will this committee have regard to objects other than those mentioned, national monuments, pictures and paintings?
I am afraid the Deputy misheard me. I said the Minister for Finance had set up the National Monuments Advisory Council. This council has been in existence for a number of years. I did not say I was proposing to set up a new committee. As far as the other objects referred to by the Deputy in the latter part of his question are concerned, I indicated in my reply that I am reviewing the legislation which affects these objects. There are a number of problems which have to be solved particularly in the area of enforcement. UNESCO have been doing some work in this area. This is being examined very closely in my Department and I have had some discussions with UNESCO on this matter.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the objects which are mainly the concern of this question will, like a horse, have bolted before any action is taken? Is he also aware of the multiplicity of auctions of objets d'art from big houses because the owners fear the wealth tax?
I am not in a position to comment on the motivation of any owners who decide to auction their property. I am sure the Deputy is aware that the National Museum and other institutions have been represented at auctions and were in a position to purchase objects they felt were of authentic Irish interest and should be maintained as part of our heritage. Not every objet d'art is necessarily something we would regard as part of our national heritage.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary have regard to the fact that many continental dealers are buying these treasures and heirlooms with hard currency against the devalued sterling with which the National Museum and the National Gallery would be obliged to purchase and find themselves at a disadvantage.
I would be prepared to have an urgent look at this matter in respect of particular objects which can be identified as representing a very important part of our national heritage and are in danger of being sold abroad. I have also indicated in my reply that I am reviewing the general provisions of the legislation which need to be improved if we are to give the necessary protection and power to the authority to take action.
Then the review will be too late.