asked the Minister for Defence if he will establish a national military museum which would be a source of high morale and tradition to our military forces who have been unswervingly loyal to all constitutionally elected Governments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Military Museum.
23.
The question of establishing a museum of a military nature is presently being examined by a committee in my Department.
Can the Minister give us some indication as to when a report of this committee will be at hand and the location of the proposed military museum?
The committee were set up towards the end of 1978. At their first meeting they decided to ask a military analyst to ascertain what items would be suitable for inclusion in the museum. It is expected that the list of items will be available at an early date.
What steps are being taken in the meantime to preserve old items of military equipment, such as armoured cars, until a decision has been made?
As the Deputy is aware, there is a military museum at the Curragh. The accommodation is not sufficient. The National Museum also has a collection with military connotations. I hope we will have a report reasonably soon.
Is the Minister aware that a request was made by the Ulster Folk Museum for an old item of equipment but the request could not be granted because the equipment concerned had been dumped or buried or disposed of in some other such way? Is there any danger of a repetition of this kind of destruction?
I am not aware of that and if the Deputy gives me details I will have it looked at. Items of historical value will be preserved.
Where will this military museum be located?
It is a matter to be decided and I do not propose to give information on it at the moment.
Would the Minister consider the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham?
I have no doubt the committee will consider a number of sites.