Vol. 417 No. 5
88 Mr. Hogan asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the contents of the Report of the Board of Visitors of the National Museum of Ireland recently published; if he will outline the action he intends to take to ensure that the collection of carriages in store in out-buildings at both Kilmainham and Army Barracks in County Kilkenny are properly protected and put on display; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The National Collection of carriages is currently stored at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Stephens' Army Barracks Kilkenny and Daingean, County Offaly. The collection contains 19 carriages, seven of which are stored in Kilmainham, five in Kilkenny and five in Daingean. The Lord Chancellor's coach is on display in Newbridge House and the Daniel O'Connell coach is being restored by the Office of Public Works prior to being sent on loan to Derrynane.
The entire collection is regularly inspected and checked by museum staff to ensure that it does not deteriorate while in storage. The collection of coaches forms part of the decorative arts collection and as such is due to transfer to the proposed purpose built museum at the Custom House Docks.
I can assure the Deputy that the views of the Board of Visitors of the national Museum are always given due consideration by both my Department and the National Museum authorities.
