asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice have been gone from the National Museum since last May; when it is proposed to return them; if they are at present undergoing cleaning; if he will state the whereabouts of these two historic and valuable items, which are much enquired for by visitors to the Museum; and if he will arrange for their immediate return.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Return of Museum Exhibits.
39.
The objects concerned are at present under analysis and repair in the British Museum, which, in view of their great artistic and antiquarian importance, has kindly offered to do this work free of charge. Their task is, as will be appreciated, an extremely delicate and difficult one and so I am not at the moment in a position to say when the objects will be returned.
Is the Minister making any inquiries about the return of these objects?
There is no necessity.
There is a necessity. Supposing they do not come back? May I ask the Minister if it is not a fact that the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice have been out of the country since last May 12 months?
I have not got the date.
When were they taken?
I am not given the date.
It is a reasonable question, bearing in mind that the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch are not alone historical items of great importance but are objects which are very much inquired about by visitors. Is it not a fact that they are out of the country for well over a year?
I do not know.
It is the Minister's business to know.
I have not got the information in my file.
I shall repeat this question next week when I hope the Minister will have all the information.