asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will outline his plans to improve shopping facilities for tourists at the cultural institutions in his charge.
Written Answers. - Shopping Facilities at Cultural Institutions.
19.
I am replying to the Deputy's question in relation to national cultural institutions which are under the general aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach.
I am anxious to ensure that shopping facilities for visitors to the national cultural institutions are further developed and improved. In addition to providing sources of revenue for the individual institutions, the production of replicas and publications based on the national collections is a means of further enhancing and publicising our cultural heritage.
Major efforts have been and are being made to improve the shopping facilities in the National Museum of Ireland by the introduction in 1987 of a wider range of sales items, including publications. In addition, the National Museum has recently produced replicas of items from its own collections and is considering a number of similar projects at present with a view to increasing the range available in 1988. It is also the intention to upgrade the shoppinig facilities in the museum during this year by fitting out a purpose built shopping area. The precise location and layout is under detailed consideration by the museum, the Department of the Taoiseach and the Office of Public Works at present.
As regards the National Library, the Heraldic Museum at present being developed in 2-3 Kildare Street will be opened to the public in 1988. The question of the provision of shopping facilities will be considered in the light of the experience of visitor numbers etc. during the year.
Finally, in the case of other cultural institutions which are administered by boards of management, for example, the National Gallery, Royal Hospital, Kilmainham and Chester Beatty Library, every encouragement is being given to promote the development and expansion of the shopping facilities in these institutions.