Vol. 394 No. 8
19 Mr. McCartan asked the Taoiseach the reason large sections of the Natural History Museum, Dublin 2 which re-opened at the end of December 1989 having been closed for more than 18 months, remain closed to the public; if he has received any representations from the trade union representing museum staff regarding the level of staffing; when it is expected that the full museum will be open all week; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Natural History Museum was closed for a period of 18 months to facilitate major refurbishment works undertaken by the Commissioners of Public Works.
The museum is now open to the public on Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Sunday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. except that the upper floors of the building are closed in order to release staff for lunch between 12.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.
The various trade union representatives of museum staff are in regular contact with my Department regarding a number of matters including staffing numbers.
The service to the public being provided by the Natural History Museum is regarded as appropriate and reasonable having regard to the need to maintain firm control on the public finances.
