asked the Minister for Education if he can state (a) when the Geological Section of the Museum will be again available for student groups, in view of the increased interest taken therein in secondary schools; (b) when may students have facilities to view the Surveys Geological Collection, formerly housed in the Circular Gallery; (c) whether he is aware that the valuable collection made in the course of a hundred years dredging of the Irish coast and portion of H.M.S. "Challenger" Collection are most unsuitably housed both for the preservation of the collections themselves and for study purposes, and if he will take steps to remedy this, (d) if he will state when it is intended to appoint an assistant to take charge of the Geological Collection in the Museum, and (e) when is the connecting hall between the Antiquities and the Natural History Collections to be made available for the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The National Museum.
The section of the Museum buildings available for the display of (a) the general mineralogical collections, and (b) the special collection of Irish geological specimens was in use until recently for the purposes of the Dáil restaurant, kitchen, buffet, etc. It is hoped that these rooms will be restored at an early date for Museum use, when arrangements will be made for the exhibition therein of the geological specimens that were placed in store when part of the Museum was appropriated for use in connection with the work of Dáil Eireann.
I am aware that the marine and other specimens referred to in part (c) of the question are unsuitably housed. I am informed that the Commissioners of Public Works have agreed to the provision of a new spirit store, but that it will not be possible to have the necessary works completed this year. (d) It is hoped to appoint an assistant to take charge of the Geological Collections of the Museum in the coming financial year. (e) As soon as arrangements are completed for the restoration of the Museum annexe to my Department, and for the display therein of the Geological Collections, it will be necessary to provide access between the annexe and the main Museum buildings, but I am unable to say when this will be done.
Mr. Wolfe
Arising out of the reply, I understand that the marine collection that has been got by dredging is not only in a most unsuitable place, but that if it is not soon removed to a suitable place there will not be any left of it. The temperature of the place where it is kept is far too high. In view of the interest taken in geology by a large number of students in the secondary schools in this country, especially in my own county, I hope the Minister will see that immediate action is taken in regard to the housing of the specimens and the proper arrangement of them. This cannot be done too soon.
I will note the Deputy's representations in the matter.