asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) that a major national treasure similar to the Book of Kells was discovered in the Louth area and secretly exported to the Far East within the last two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Reported Treasure Fund.
76.
The museum authorities and the Garda first became aware from newspaper sources of the alleged excavation and illegal export of archaeological objects from the Drogheda/Louth area in October, 1987. The journalist concerned when questioned was unable to provide any detailed information. Since that time, investigations by the museum authorities and the Garda have continued but no substantive evidence of such a find has been found.