I wish to express my concern to the Minister tonight at the recent incident at the National Museum. Rain came through the roof on Tuesday, 5 October, during a storm and serious damage was caused to a portion of the valuable collection of books and manuscripts at the museum. It is extraordinary that such an event should occur at the National Museum. I ask the Minister to explain the reason his Department has not taken steps to ensure that the collections are housed properly and protected from damage. I also ask the Minister to outline the extent of the damage and to indicate if it can be repaired. Have any of the works been damaged beyond repair and is it the intention to carry out restoration work immediately?
There is no doubt that the National Museum has been neglected during the years. A discussion on this matter has already taken place in the Dáil. I am aware of the Minister's intentions in relation to our national institutions and I welcome the fact that he intends to make money available to ensure that the National Museum is able to put on display in a proper fashion its many collections, in particular the folklore collections which have not been put on display.
It now appears that the collections that are on display are at risk. Is the Minister satisfied that no further damage will occur and that repairs are being carried out? Furthermore, what action does he intend to take to ensure that the collections are not damaged? Many collections are not on display. The National Museum needs to take action as a matter of urgency to address the question of the exhibition and storage of collections and to draw up development plans to enable it to play an appropriate role in the cultural life of the country. I ask the Minister to ensure that these collections are protected in the future and to make a statement on the matter.