Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
307. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the auction set to take place on 29 January 2022 for the purchase of the 1916 medal presented to a person (details supplied); if she has considered this as an opportunity to acquire the medal for the State to be displayed in a museum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4350/22]
View answerI am aware of the item in question and share the Deputy's regard for the life and achievements of the person concerned. The curatorial responsibilities of the Directors and professional staff at the National Cultural Institutions include the consideration of possible acquisitions to strengthen the national collections. It is a constant process of assessment that includes the consideration of our national heritage interests in a changing environment, the ongoing review of the existing collections in relation to our national heritage and the action to be taken when opportunities arise for the acquisition of heritage items through donation, purchase or bequest.
The consideration of acquisitions not only looks at the possible addition but also at the extent and condition of current holdings to assess how the national collections would be enhanced. A National Cultural Institution can seek the support of the Minister on a case specific basis in the event that a particular acquisition, considered to be important, is likely to require more than the resources available to the institution at that time.
The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on the significance or possible interest to acquire any item that is currently open to bidding in a public auction.
