Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 6

Written Answers. - Military Museum.

Jack Wall

Question:

344 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the action, if any, which has been taken regarding the establishment of a military museum; if a decision has been made in relation to the siting of this museum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18728/97]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

The Deputy will be aware that phase I of the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks opened on 18 September last. A functional brief and exhibition strategy for phase II of the Collins Barracks project within the confines of the barracks and the budget available is currently being prepared by a firm of museum consultants in association with the National Museum.

The National Museum, conscious that Collins Barracks is the longest continuously occupied barracks in Europe, wishes to acknowledge and maintain the strong links with the military aspects of the facility. The Defence Forces has made its military history collection available to the National Museum for display purposes. The National Museum has, therefore, committed itself to incorporating material of a military history nature in its dsplays and in the temporary exhibitions to be included in phase II of the Collins Barracks project.