Bernard J. Durkan
Question:11 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if consideration will be given to a proposal for the location of a military museum at the Curragh, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Museum.
There is already a military museum in the Curragh Camp and there are no plans to establish another one there.
What I had in mind was a national military museum of a much more expanded type than that in existence. Will the Minister give some consideration to that possibility, having regard to the fact that his immediate predecessor indicated likewise?
I will take it up now in view of the Deputy's interest in it. A number of small military museums are located in different areas. Museums are located in the Curragh Camp, Collins Barracks, Dublin, one in Collins Barracks, Cork and at Fort Dunree, Donegal. In view of the interest in this issue I will see if there is any way we can advance it. It has been under discussion since about 1978.
While I support the idea of a national military museum as opposed to the very inadequate localised museums that exist in the various camps, may I draw the Minister's attention to the fact that Collins Barracks in Dublin is clearly the ideally suited location for such——
Deputy McCartan, this question refers specifically to the Curragh and I cannot permit an extension. If the Deputy wishes to raise a matter appertaining to a Dublin barracks he should put down a question.
Will the Chair allow me——
No, the Deputy is deviating from the question and I cannot permit that.
With respect, I understand the question to deal in essence with the proposal to establish a national military museum.
It is dealing with a military museum at the Curragh, County Kildare.