Jack Wall
Question:140 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the development of the military museum project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13306/98]
Written Answers. - Military Museum.
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. To this end a firm of international consultants was engaged by the then Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht and I understand the firm has now submitted an exhibit strategy to that Department where it is under consideration.
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. In this regard much further discussion will be necessary in order to arrive at a mutually acceptable arrangement and my Department is pursuing the matter with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.