asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, in view of the ever-increasing interest in Irish postage stamp issues, he will consider examining the question of establishing a philatelic museum in Dublin for the benefit of the general public.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Postage Stamps .
23.
(Dublin South-Central): The question of establishing a postal museum, of which a prominent feature would be a philatelic display, is under consideration. As the Deputy will appreciate, problems of finance and of acquiring suitable premises have to be resolved.
: Would the Minister consider incorporating such a museum in the National Museum?
: Deputy Brady.
: Is the Minister aware of the sizeable philatelic collection in the National Museum and also some important postal items in the National Library? When the museum is under consideration there are two suitable sites that come to mind in Dublin which the Minister might give consideration to, one is Powerscourt House in William Street beside the Civic Museum and the other is Aldborough House on the north side which has postal connections.
: A question, Deputy. This is information.
(Dublin South-Central): This is something we will look at.
: Would the Minister undertake, if the time comes that he sponsors such a museum, to ensure that the explanatory material in that museum will make up for what the stamps do not now give, namely a clue to the general public as to what the stamp is about and what it is being issued for?
: Is it the Minister's opinion that a philatelic museum should be separate from the National Museum? Is there any policy on that matter?
(Dublin South-Central): I have not got it here but I am told that they considered this on a few occasions and that they would prefer to have it on its own. They would prefer to have a museum separate from the other museums.
: I do not agree with that.
24.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the total revenue to the State from the sales at home and abroad of postage stamps; and if there is any evidence to support the view that such sales are on the increase.
(Dublin South-Central): I take it the question refers to philatelic sales. It is estimated that revenue from these sales, which have been showing a general upward trend, is about £350,000 a year at present; and there are good prospects for further growth.