asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the alarming increase over the past year of the export from this country of works of art and art objects; and the steps which have been taken or are proposed, to discourage the continuance of this pattern or to reverse the trend.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - Export of Heritage Material.
1.
I am most concerned that there was a substantial increase in the value of heritage material exported from this country in 1987 as compared with 1986.
The general scheme of legislation to control such exports has been prepared for some considerable time in my Department. The introduction of legislation to meet the particular needs of the situation has been delayed pending the outcome in the Supreme Court of the Derrynaflan case. As that case has now been determined, I hope to introduce legislation in the near future.
As the Taoiseach is aware, the loss in antiques in particular has been alarming in recent years. It went from £2 million in 1982 to £7 million in 1986 and £11 million last year. In view of that, will the Taoiseach endeavour to have the legislation ready for this session?
That is my intention.
As the Taoiseach is aware, a VAT rate of 25 per cent is imposed at the point of entry and there is no export tax, which means that it is very unfavourable as far as getting back goods to Ireland is concerned, even goods that have been exported from here for sale abroad. Will he consider possible changes in that regard, particularly extending to heritage houses where paintings are displayed, the same tax concessions regarding imports as are available to the National Museum and the National Gallery?
These really are matters for my colleague, the Minister for Finance, but I will pass on the Deputy's views to him. The matter has, of course, been raised before with him.
While I welcome the Taoiseach's intention to introduce legislation in this regard, will he consider, as an interim measure in respect of any proposed exports occurring during the next few months, using the powers he has under section 2 (2) of the Documents and Pictures (Regulation of Exports) Act, 1945, to declare that particular drawings, documents, writings, maps or the like, cannot be exported without a licence from him?
I will certainly consider that suggestion by the Deputy but the matter is complex and I would prefer to have carefully prepared legislation which would have the benefit of full discussion in the House. One of the aspects, of which I am sure the Deputy is aware, is that it is not necessarily totally beneficial to prevent exports because we also want to have a situation where people will bring works of art into this country. Unless the export prohibitions are carefully framed, it could have the effect of preventing people bringing works of art into the country because they might fear they would never again be in a position to export them or to take them out again.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the danger that the announced imminence of legislation could be an incitement to a rush of exports to get in before the gate is closed?
I am glad the Deputy drew my attention to that and I realise it is a danger. We will have to carefully monitor the situation.
Deputy Nealon may ask a final supplementary.
Will the Taoiseach consider the possibility of increased lottery funds to the National Gallery and the National Museum for the purchase of paintings and artefacts of particular value which are in danger of leaving the country? This might be a possible way of keeping some of this valuable heritage material here.
The Deputy has widened the scope of the question.
We have already used lottery funds for the National Gallery and the museum. However, if anything urgent arises in that area, I will not hesitate to again resort to the funds.