asked the Minister for Education whether he has received the Report of the Board of Visitors of the National Museum of Science and Art in Dublin; whether the many criticisms of present conditions of staffing, etc., in the Museum are being studied by his Department with a view to an improvement in the position without delay; whether he is agreeable that a Government statement on policy with regard to the Museum, as suggested in this Report, should be made; and, if so, when he expects such a statement to be made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Museum: Board of Visitors' Report.
50.
Action has already been taken with regard to the staffing position in the National Museum. Since the Report in question was furnished, six competitions for posts in the Museum have been held. Five out of six staff vacancies have been filled and it is expected that the remaining post will be filled at an early date. Also one additional post has been authorised and filled. Proposals which may call for further staff increases are under examination.
The Board of Visitors referred also to shortages of accommodation. In this regard it has already been decided to use the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, for museum purposes. Necessary restoration work in that building is in progress but will not be completed for some years yet. In connection with the extension of the Oireachtas buildings now being carried out it was necessary to take some accommodation from the Museum as a temporary measure but this will be restored in due course.
Various other measures have been taken to improve conditions in the Museum: for example, the Museum workshops have been completely re-equipped at a cost of about £2,000.
I see no necessity for issuing a statement of Government policy in relation to the National Museum at the present time.