Vol. 407 No. 6
13 Mr. Connor asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on all the circumstances surrounding the taking from situ and smuggling out of Ireland for sale of a number of early Christian gravestones and other antiquities; the action the Government have taken for the return of these items; and if he will outline the action under way to stop the traffic in archaeological and heritage items out of this country.
The removal of ancient Christian sculptured gravestones from the monastic site of Inchcleraun in Lough Ree are matters which are under current investigation by the Garda Síochána in co-operation with police and customs authorities in the USA. The slabs in question are now in official custody in the United States and criminal charges have been instituted there. These items constitute important evidence in the pending case and they will be returned to Ireland when the necessary legal processes are complete. Under these circumstances, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the details of this matter.
It is a clear and specific objective of Government policy with the full support and commitment of the management and staff of the National Museum, the Office of Public Works and the Garda Síochána to stamp out the illicit trade in Irish archaeological objects. The House will be pleased to know that since 1981 over 2,000 archaeological and antiquarian objects have been safely recovered domestically and internationally by the National Museum and important sculptures from Clonmacnoise and Inish Cealtra have been recovered by the Office of Public Works. A notable recent example about which I informed the House on 18 December 1990 was the recovery of an important Bronz Age lunula put up for sale in London.
The present case is an instance of decisive action by the Irish institutions in following up all such cases and I congratulate them. I wish to pay a particular tribute to the law enforcement agencies in the USA on the outcome of their investigations which were conducted in a spirit of close co-operation with our museum and police authorities from the outset. I also wish to thank the authorities of Boston college who, when offered the material, immediately contacted the National Museum of Ireland.
The preservation of our unique archaeological heritage is a matter of great national importance. The export, or sale for export, of archaeological objects is unlawful under the terms of the National Monuments Act, 1930, as amended in 1987. Further legislative proposals to confirm the State's rights in the matter of our archaeological heritage are at an advanced stage of preparation and will be brought forward as soon as possible. I avail of this opportunity to appeal for vigilance by the general public in every part of the country in assisting the authorities in their efforts.
Does the Taoiseach agree that the situation is out of control when he states that 2,000 articles have been recovered in the last number of years, which are probably only the tip of the iceberg? That could mean that 5,000 or 10,000 articles could have been stolen or taken away. Surely the law is not strong enough under the National Monuments Acts or the Historic Monuments Acts to stop this kind of traffic. One newspaper reports that this haul was valued at £3.5 million or £3.7 million. That gives an idea of the gravity of the criminal activity in this area.
It is not really a matter of the law; there is no great problem about the law in the matter. It is a question of administrative action by the museum and by the Garda Síochána, and that is what has been effective over the last few years — drawing attention of international institutions to the existence of this trade, seeking their co-operation in defeating it and, in particular, following up everything we come across and know about. I think most important of all — this is where all Deputies in the House can be of assistance — unless we have an alert public opinion in every part of the country to help us in this task we will not totally succeed, but if the people in the local communities are alert and aware of anything that is happening and notify the museum authorities, that will be followed up immediately by the authorities and by the Garda Síochána. There is no particular impediment in their way because of lack of legal capacity.
In relation to this case there was a suggestion that NORAID were involved in creaming off some of the profits that were made on this deal. Maybe the Taoiseach would like to make a statement on any information he has to hand in relation to the involvement of subversives or organisations close to subversives in these matters.
I think we had better leave that until the legal proceedings in the US are finished. There have been suggestions to that effect but I have no particular information about it. The prosecution will now take place in the US and then everything will be disclosed.
Deputy John Bruton, a final question.
In the final part of his reply the Taoiseach referred to legislation he was preparing to further govern the exportation of works of cultural merit from this country. Is there any danger that this would be affected by the provisions of the European Internal Market which requires freedom of exports and imports, particularly in view of the fact that he already agreed today in response to Question No. 3 to the suggestion that the EC's competence be extended to the area of heritage and cultural affairs?
It is one of the areas which is under active consideration at the moment. It is very important from our point of view, but it is related to a number of other areas like the need to control the drug trade and other illegal activities. They will all have to be very carefully provided for and considered under the Single Market.
A brief question, Deputy Jim Higgins.
In view of the fact that the Taoiseach says he is satisfied with the working of the legislation, will he not agree that what is required here is a massive public awareness campaign in the media and in the schools, to make the public aware of our priceless national heritage which is not being guarded by the citizenry?
I agree.
One brief question. When the articles are returned to Ireland, as I assume they will be after the court proceedings, what will happen to them? Will they be put back in situ?
I hope we will all offer them a warm welcome home to start with, but apart from that——
And they will not be sent back like the bald eagle.
——it would be a matter for the Museum authorities to advise.
In the event of the National Museum having those articles, I would like museums, other than the National Museum, to be considered for housing them.
That is a separate question.
That is a matter the National Museum have under examination, as I mentioned. I have explained here a few times that having artefacts on show locally is being pursued by the National Museum.
Deputy Spring, a point of order perhaps.
I want some clarification from you, Sir, in relation to the time you are going to move on to Priority Questions.
We were rather late commencing questions today. There was a request made that no time be lost and, whereas we should conclude at 3.45 p.m., it was my intention to give the extra time and conclude at 3.55 p.m. today, but I would not want this to be taken as a precedent.
In those circumstances, I am asking that Questions Nos. 14 to 19 be left over until tomorrow.
I would prefer to leave Questions Nos. 14 to 19 over until tomorrow.
Are you happy about that, Deputy Spring?
Yes.
To leave Questions Nos. 14 to 19 until tomorrow?
There is a long, comprehensive reply. It might be better to leave them over until tomorrow.
Questions Nos. 14-19, inclusive, postponed.
I seek further clarification, Sir, in that Question Time is extended by ten minutes. Does that mean Priority Questions are now taken at 3.40 p.m.?
That is so. Can we deal with Questions Nos. 20 and 21 to which the replies are essentially statistical?
