asked the Minister for Education whether he is prepared to introduce proposals for legislation to amend the Documents and Pictures (Regulation of Export) Act, 1945, so as to secure that the provisions of the Act will be applied to works of art, antique articles, rare specimens of glass ware, etc.; and, if so, when it is proposed to introduce such proposals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Documents and Pictures (Regulation of Export) Act, 1945.
The Documents and Pictures (Regulation of Export) Act, 1945, prescribes that the Minister for Education shall, on the application of a person proposing to export an article to which the Act applies, grant to that person a licence to export the article. The Act does not confer any authority to prohibit the export of any documents, drawings or paintings; it merely ensures that photographic copies of such documents, drawings or paintings may be recorded before export.
It does not appear, accordingly, that any useful purpose would be served by the introduction of proposals to extend the provision of this Act to the objects mentioned by the Deputy, and, in the circumstances, no such proposals are under consideration.