Vol. 404 No. 1
14 Mr. Deasy asked the Taoiseach if his Department have a catalogue of art treasures of Irish origin which are held in museums or private collections abroad; the estimated value of such treasures; and if any concerted effort is being made to have these works of art returned or purchased on behalf of the State.
The National Museum has extensive records of Irish antiquities held in museums and private collections abroad. It would not be possible to estimate the monetary value of such collections.
The great majority of items in those collections, such as those held in the British Museum and the Royal Museums of Scotland, were legitimately acquired and are not in danger of being dispersed. From time to time, arrangements have been, and will continue to be, made to ensure the return and display of such material at our National Museum either on a short or long term loan basis. Where special opportunities arise, as in the case of the Northumberland Bronze-Age gold collection, special efforts are made to recover for the Irish people the objects in question.
The Government are also making a concerted effort to put an end to the illegal export of antiquities and to secure the return of such items as demonstrated in the recent recovery of a gold Lunula illegally exported.
It is the policy of my Government, within the limits of available resources, to attempt to purchase Irish antiquities that are offered for sale on the legitimate market at home or abroad.
Question No. 15 in the name of Deputy Bell.
Deputy Deasy has just come in.
Would the Taoiseach mind repeating his reply?
Certainly, Deputy.
It is the season of goodwill.
The National Museum has extensive records of Irish antiquities held in museums and private collections abroad. It would not be possible to estimate the monetary value of such collections.
The great majority of items in those collections, such as those held in the British Museum and the Royal Museums of Scotland, were legitimately acquired and are not in danger of being dispersed. From time to time, arrangements have been, and will continue to be, made to ensure the return and display of such material at our National Museum either on a short or long term loan basis. Where special opportunities arise, as in the case of the Northumberland Bronze-Age gold collection, special efforts are made to recover for the Irish people the objects in question.
The Government are also making a concerted effort to put an end to the illegal export of antiquities and to secure the return of such items as demonstrated in the recent recovery of a gold Lunula illegally exported.
It is the policy of my Government, within the limits of available resources, to attempt to purchase Irish antiquities that are offered for sale on the legitimate market at home or abroad.
Did the Taoiseach have any comment to make on Question No. 13? I am aware I am stretching the bow a bit but——
I am not going that far back now.
Yes, there is good news for the Deputy. He will be able to keep fit.
All of us, including the Taoiseach.
For those who need it.
