Vol. 487 No. 7
99 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Defence the discussions, if any, he has had with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands regarding the provision of a military museum; and the progress, if any, that has been made on this matter. [5074/98]
Following the opening of Phase 1 of the Collins Barracks museum facility, it was considered essential by the caretaker board of the National Museum of Ireland that an exhibition strategy for the complete site be formulated to address the specific needs and plans of the museum in the future. This strategy is at an advanced stage of preparation by a firm of international museum consultants.
Discussions have taken place between the military authorities, officials of the National Museum of Ireland and the consultants and I am advised that agreement in principle has been reached regarding the establishment of a military museum section in the National Museum complex at Collins Barracks. However, much further discussion will be necessary regarding this entire matter in order to arrive at a mutually acceptable arrangement. A military board has been established to identify the military artifacts that can be made available.
I might mention that agreement has been reached with the National Museum of Ireland to mount a special exhibition later this year to mark the 40th anniversary of the Defence Forces participation in UN peacekeeping activities.
