P. J. Sheehan
Question:4 Mr. Sheehan asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the latest position on the return of the Bandon Mace to the Bandon Town Commissioners for display in the Bandon museum in County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Return of Bandon Mace.
The Bandon Mace is in the possession of the National Museum. It was given on loan to the museum and the lender indicated that responsibility for decisions in relation to its display rests solely with the museum while on loan there.
The Bandon Town Commissioners have raised the issue of returning the mace for permanent display in Bandon on a number of occasions, including with my predecessor, Deputy Nealon, when he was Minister for Arts and Culture, and directly with the National Museum.
The response that has always been given is that the museum authorities consider that the mace should be retained as part of the national collection and I am not prepared to overrule that judgment.
I will, however, discuss with the museum authorities appropriate arrangements to place it on display for a short period in Bandon, subject to satisfactory security arrangements being agreed. I would also urge that the Bandon Town Commissioners would accept the offer of the museum to provide a silver replica for permanent display in Bandon.
The Taoiseach's reply is very unsatisfactory. The Bandon Town Commissioners have made repeated requests to the National Museum for the return of the Bandon Mace which was lent to the National Museum by Lady Jennifer Bernard some years ago. Now that there is a museum of distinction in Bandon — I hope the Taoiseach will visit it when he is next in west Cork — it is right and proper that this mace should be returned to the town of Bandon to be displayed in the museum.
I want to assist the Deputy in eliciting information.
Will the Taoiseach give favourable consideration to its immediate return?
I understand the Deputy's wishes in this matter and, as I said, the wishes of the Bandon Town Commissioners have been expressed on a number of occasions. However, Lady Jennifer Bernard, to whom the Deputy referred, confirmed in writing that the museum are in full charge of the mace, have the responsibility for its safe-keeping and the right to decide when and where it shall be on display.
Perhaps the National Museum have the right to decide but the mace was only lent to them. As Bandon now have a museum which is worthy to display the mace the matter should be considered.
I am glad Deputy Sheehan was looking after matters in my home town of Bandon as, unfortunately, I was detained elsewhere. I support the point raised by him; I wish to point out to the Taoiseach — and I hope he will respond — that not just the Bandon Town Commissioners but the Bandon community are very keen to see the restoration of the mace to the town as secure arrangements have been made within the town to ensure that, on its return, it will be fully and properly looked after. In that context, will the Taoiseach have whatever meetings are necessary to review this decision?
As I said in my reply, the decision rests with the National Museum but I will convey the views of Deputies to the museum authorities.
Do not abandon Deputy Sheehan.
Never.
The Taoiseach was shipwrecked near Bandon and had to be rescued.
He might have to be rescued again.
I do not recall Deputy Sheehan bringing me a hot breakfast that morning.