asked the Minister for Justice if he will immediately make contact with his Dutch counterpart to arrange the safe return to Ireland of the world famous art treasures stolen from Russborough House, County Wicklow, which have just been discovered in Holland and which are the property of the Irish people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Art Treasures.
18.
I assume the question arises from recent newspaper reports that the unrecovered paintings stolen from the Beit collection in May, 1986 were in the possession of a Dutch national who was attempting to sell them. The Garda authorities have informed me that they have been in contact with the Dutch police about these reports and are satisifed that there is no substance to them.
In view of the fact that the newspaper report quoted the Dutch police as saying they were satisfied with the photographs shown to them of the paintings and that the location in which they were found was real, did the Minister or his Department consider the necessity of sending detectives to Holland to verify and discuss with the Dutch police these reports because we heard that the police in Holland were satisfied that the reports were of some substance?
I can only repeat the very clear answer, that the Garda authorities have informed the Minister for Justice that they have been in contact with the Dutch police about these reports and are satisfied there is no substance in them.
These paintings are the property of the Irish people and, in view of recent prices at art sales in various auctions throughout the world, they are beyond price. Does the Minister consider it is sufficient response from the Government that they should make a telephone call to a police force about reports like this in relation to a national treasure belonging to the people? Will the Minister send top level Garda inspectors and detectives to Holland to consider this question?
It would not be appropriate to disclose Garda information about the matter at present. However, I assure the Deputy that the Garda know more about the situation than the newspapers.
We now come to questions nominated for priority.