Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 May 1968

Vol. 64 No. 15

Chester Beatty Library Bill, 1968: Second and Subsequent Stages.

Question proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time".

The Taoiseach

This is a short Bill which requires very little explanation. As members of the Seanad are aware, the world-renowned Library at Shrewsbury Road, Dublin, was built and endowed for the nation, by the late Sir Alfred Chester Beatty as but one of the benefactions—all of outstanding value and importance—which the Irish people owe to this most generous and public-spirited friend of our country. To give effect to his intention that the library should be maintained for the use of the public, Sir Chester Beatty, by his will, bequeathed it to certain named trustees and made provision for the appointment of additional trustees, including one to be appointed by the President.

In view of the terms of Articles 12.1 and 13.10 of the Constitution, which relate to the powers and functions of the President, it is necessary to provide, by legislation, for the conferring upon the President of this power of appointment, which would, under the Will, be a continuing function in relation to one particular trusteeship.

The President has indicated his agreement to this proposal.

Mr. Garret FitzGerald

We are more than willing to accept this Bill and are glad of the opportunity to pay a tribute to the late Sir Alfred Chester Beatty for the generosity of the gift of the library in respect of which we are now making trusteeship arrangements. It is a wonderful thing to have a library such as that provided and the fact that this Bill gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to its donor is also very welcome. We have no difficulty in accepting the Bill and look forward to the arrangements being finally completed so that the library will be vested in the Irish people.

Professor Stanford

As a representative of one of the universities and as a Senator, I should like to be associated with this tribute to the memory of one of the most munificent of our citizens in recent years. Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, from his earliest years in the country, gave generously to our nation. He gave us a very fine collection of the Barbizon school of painting, now one of the treasures of our national collection. All during his life he helped the culture and the welfare of our State generously and he set an example to all rich people in the country. I do not think we can remember in recent years anyone who served our nation so well in that way. In the past, one thinks of Sir Hugh Lane and the Guinness family. Such people are rare at present. I hope they will be more numerous in the years to come. I am sure the House would like to record its gratitude, and I am very glad to share in Senator FitzGerald's expression of it.

The Taoiseach

I do not think the debate calls for any special reply from me except to endorse that which Senators on the other side have said. As is well known, Sir Chester Beatty's benefactions were not limited to matters of art. He was well known to have helped a lot of people in need in different ways. We are very grateful to him and this will be a very positive way in which his memory will be kept green. There are many other people in the country to whom the memory of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty will always be green by reason of his benefactions to them personally. I do not think I need say any more except to suggest that the House might be able to deal with more than this Stage today.

Question put and agreed to.

Agreed to take remaining Stages today.

Bill put through Committee, reported without amendment, received for final consideration and passed.