Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Museum.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

70 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the steps, if any, her Department has taken to review the opening times of national museums; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2823/99]

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

I assume the Deputy is referring to the National Museum of Ireland in all its constituent parts in Collins Barracks, Kildare Street and Merrion Street.

I would refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions No. 49 of 25 November 1998, No. 14 of 15 October 1998 and Question No. 15 of 18 June 1998. As I have indicated previously, serious financial and human resource implications are inherent in any change to the opening hours of the National Museum. However, the matter is under active consideration by the museum which is in discussion with the staff trade unions involved in the matter.