Vol. 471 No. 4
99 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the increased knowledge which exists as a result of the investigations of the Viking origins of the city of Dublin and the later medieval expansion; the measures, if any, which he proposes to use to make such information available to the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20919/96]
A selection of the artefacts from the excavations referred to by the Deputy are on show in the new Viking gallery at the National Museum. A selection is also on loan from the museum to Dublinia and discussions are ongoing between the museum and Temple Bar Properties about loaning a further selection of items to the new Viking Adventure. The museum has also made selections of items from the excavations available to the international exhibition on the Vikings held at Paris, Berlin and Copenhagen and, more locally, to Downpatrick Museum.
Learned publications are appearing on this subject on a regular basis. However, the museum is planning more popular publications and is co-operating with the Edinburgh and Copenhagen Museum on the production of a CD Rom on this subject.
100 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when a report on the findings of the recent excavations of medieval Dublin is likely to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20920/96]
Field work on the National Museum's excavations finished in 1981. These were the largest urban excavations ever undertaken in Western Europe and the National Museum is preparing a series of books on the results. Some of these have already been published, while several others are in the course of preparation. I understand that one publication is due to appear before Christmas and another on the Runic inscriptions early in the New Year. With regard to excavations carried out by the Office of Public Works in the Dublin Castle area. I understand that these results are also being prepared for publication.
In general, reports are prepared on foot of each individual archaeological excavation, which is licensed by me following consultation with the Director of the National Museum. The conditions which attach to all licences require the lodgment of a preliminary report with both the National Museum and the national monuments and historic properties service of my Department within four weeks of completion of an excavation. Detailed reports are required to be submitted within twelve months of completion and the licensees are expected to make every effort to publish these reports thereafter.
101 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the submissions, if any, he has received on Viking origins and medieval Dublin; if so, the nature of such submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20921/96]
I am unclear as to the type of submission the Deputy has in mind. However, the 9th century origins of Viking Dublin were the subject of a conference held in Dublin last autumn. I understand that the proceedings of the conference are expected to appear in book form in the coming months.
