asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that Derrynane, the home of O'Connell, is to be sold by auction; and whether he will open negotiations with the vendors with a view to acquiring this venerable place for the nation, on terms acceptable to the present owners.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of O'Connell Home.
I am not aware that the owners of Derrynane desire to dispose of the property by auction. As regards the second part of the Deputy's question, I am advised that, as the law stands, the acquisition as a national monument of the whole of the property, which includes a substantial area of land, would not be practicable under the provisions of the National Monuments Act, 1930.
Is the Minister in a position to give me a categorical answer to two questions: (1) is it the intention of the Government to acquire Derrynane, or any part of it, for the nation, and (2) if not, may we assume that any voluntary effort on the part of interested persons to acquire it as a national monument or property would have the approval and, at least, the moral support of the Government?
I do not know why the Deputy is putting those particular questions to me.
I did not put them to the Minister; I put them to the Taoiseach and the Taoiseach referred them to the Minister.
The Deputy asked a Parliamentary Question, whether this estate is going to be sold by auction and the answer is that it is not, as the family are not selling it. Then he wants to know are we going to acquire it. Does he want us compulsorily to acquire it if the family want to continue in it?
Is the Minister aware that an advertisement appeared in the Dublin newspapers offering Derrynane for sale and announcing the desire of the present occupiers to sell Derrynane? This question was put down on the Order Paper requesting the Taoiseach to give information. It was referred by the usual Parliamentary machinery to the Minister for Finance.
It must go to the Minister responsible.
It is a procedure I do not desire to question. However, I did not put the question to the Minister for Finance, but to the Taoiseach. The Minister for Finance elects to answer. Derrynane has been offered for sale. If that is true, and I know it to be true, will the Government consider acquiring it for the nation and, if the Government does not intend to acquire it for the nation, will the Government approve a voluntary effort to raise funds for its acquisition?
My information is that Derrynane is not for sale, as the Deputy alleges.
That is a matter of fact. Either it was in the newspapers or it was not. I say it was, and I know it was.
Has the Deputy authority from the owners to say it is for sale?
In view of the rather eccentric attitude adopted by the Minister for Finance, into whose hands I have had the courtesy to put all the relevant material, to be met with this gross discourtesy across the floor of the House, I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the adjournment. I actually sent the Minister all my private papers so that he could come into the House fully informed.
Deputy Murphy has already given notice that he will raise a question on the adjournment. It was postponed and it will be taken to-night.
I indicated my intention, subject to your approval. There will be other occasions on which the matter can be further examined, if you approve.
I intend to raise another matter on the adjournment to-night.
Deputy Murphy's question will be taken on the adjournment to-night. It relates to a question he put down some days ago.