Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 3

Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.

Tony Gregory

Question:

196 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the properties from which items have been removed, or in which damage has been caused regarding the disappearance, theft or damage to artefacts, that is, chimney pieces, doors, architraves, items of furniture or paintings, from properties and their curtilages, which properties are either belonging to or within the care of the State, since 1980; if any of these items have been recovered or returned; if persons have been charged in relation to these incidents; the estimated value of the items damaged, stolen or mislaid; and if adequate measures have now been taken to protect the property of the State. [14143/03]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

The information requested is outlined in the following table. In each case, the Garda were informed, the items were registered in the art loss register and details were submitted to the Antiques Trade Gazette.I consider that it would not be appropriate to put details of the security measures at each property into the public domain, but I am satisfied that appropriate security measures are in place to guard against future such incidences. No prosecutions have taken place or are outstanding.

Property	Items	Items Recovered	Value
Rathfarnham Castle	Small carved sections of chimney pieces removed	Nil	Unknown
Emo Court	3 chimney pieces from Gardener's Lodge	Nil	Unknown
Castletown House	Gaming Table	All	€14,300 (approx.)
	2 Peat Buckets		€21,400(approx.)