Vol. 497 No. 2
330 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn the fact that effects of the late Sybil Connolly are to be sold at auction on 25 November 1998; the plans, if any, she has to acquire the estate for the State in view of its historical importance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24625/98]
The cultural collecting institutions under my aegis, as part of their normal collecting function, are regularly appraised as to sales of artefacts and collections that might be appropriate to have included in their respective collections. In this regard the National Museum and National Gallery already hold what they consider to be certain key items for their needs from the collection of the late Sybil Connolly and "The Swiss Cottage" located near Cahir, County Tipperary, which is owned by Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department was decorated by her. The various collecting institutions are aware that other effects belonging to her are to be sold at auction shortly. I understand that the residence of the late Sybil Connolly is not for sale.
