asked the Minister for Finance if arrangements will be made to have the group of statuary in the grounds of the Department of Education, Marlborough Street, Dublin moved to a more conspicuous position near the railings bordering the main thoroughfare, so as to afford the public a better opportunity to view it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Location of Dublin Statuary.
27.
The group of statuary in question which is known as "La Pietà" and which was presented to this country in 1947 by the Italian Government in appreciation of relief supplies sent by Ireland to Italy, was originally erected in the entrance hall of the National Museum. As a result of representations from various quarters regarding the unsuitability of that location the Government, following investigation of the question by the Commissioners of Public Works, decided to have the group transferred to the present site in the lawn of the Department of Education premises at Marlborough St. That site is, I am advised, quite suitable, and it is not proposed to change it. The provision of a suitable setting at street frontage would, I am advised, necessitate the removal of portion of the high railings which enclose the grounds of the Department of Education, and the formation of a recess, fronted by a low railing, in which the group would be placed. This would involve considerable expenditure and, moreover, in such a location the sculpture might be exposed to the risk of damage.
I might add that persons wishing to have a close up view of the sculpture have in fact been granted access to the grounds during normal office hours.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that the National Museum was a better location, that the statuary was better protected and could be seen by more people?
That is a matter of opinion. I do not agree.