Bernard J. Durkan
Question:69 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent of artefacts currently in storage; his plans to put all such items on display; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16312/03]
Written Answers. - National Museum.
It is assumed that the Deputy's question relates to artefacts in the care of the National Museum of Ireland. The National Museum is responsible for the care and protection of Ireland's portable heritage, which comprises a vast number and variety of objects. As a collecting agency with responsibility for preservation and conservation as well as display, the museum will never be able to, and has no desire to, place all its collection on display at any one time.
The National Museum has an ongoing policy of exhibition development at each of its four sites to facilitate greater access and interpretation of its collections. In furtherance of this policy it places the most significant and relevant objects on display to the public in a context that adds to their understanding of the material.
The National Museum has an ongoing and successful practice of facilitating loans to county museums and other venues that meet the necessarily stringent requirements of curatorship, security, safety environmental control, display, public access and insurance.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:70 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which the National Museum can liaise with county museums or other such bodies with a view to lending items for local display; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16313/03]
The National Museum of Ireland has an ongoing and successful practice of facilitating loans to county museums and other such bodies that meet the necessarily stringent requirements of curatorship, display facilities, environmental control, insurance, safety and security. To date, a number of substantial loans have been made by the National Museum to designated county museums and other museums.
Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 14.