Frances Fitzgerald
Question:142 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands when the portrait of Countess Markievicz will be brought back to Leinster House. [12643/01]
Written Answers - National Portraits.
The Deputy will be aware that this portrait was brought back from the Seanad to the National Gallery in 1999 when building and redecoration works commenced in the Seanad.
Following an examination of the condition of the painting by the National Gallery I was advised that experts there have determined that there has been a noticeable deterioration in it. A report on the condition of the portrait has been submitted to the board of the National Gallery and I am advised that it has been concluded that the painting is even more fragile than was first thought. The board of the National Gallery, conscious of the significance of the painting to the Oireachtas and the conservation work that is needed to be carried out to the work, have recommended that consideration be given to commissioning a replica of the highest standards for hanging here. Representations have also recently been made to me by a member of the Oireachtas who is favourably disposed to having a transparency reproduction of the painting on quality canvas commissioned and who recognises the fragile condition of the original.
While this suggestion appears to have some merit, before I consider it further I will seek the views of other Oireachtas members.