I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 43 together.
I refer the Deputy to my previous replies on this matter. There is concern that the sale of Irish art works by the organisations referred to would depress an already troubled market place for Irish art. I have pointed this out to the Bank of Ireland and, emphasised the deflationary and displacement impact which the sale of a significant body of contemporary art would have on the market here and, in particular, on emerging artists. In response, that Bank has donated a number of the more significant works of its collection to the State.
It is a matter for the Board of the Bank of Ireland and the Boards of other similar organisations to decide further on these matters. I have also written to the Chairman of Allied Irish Banks regarding that institution's collection of art. I do not believe that its collection should be disposed of either and have asked that the institution enter a dialogue with us on public access to its extensive collection.