Vol. 317 No. 9
asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to the detailed criticisms contained in the 1977-78 Annual Report of the Board of Visitors of the National Museum indicating that the museum is now in a "deplorable state" with major problems centring on accommodation and staffing and his proposals, if any, to take action to meet these criticisms.
91.
asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the highly critical report of the Board of Visitors for 1977-78 on the National Museum of Science and Art, he will make a comprehensive statement outlining Government policy on its future.
92.
asked the Minister for Education the action it is proposed to take in view of the many complaints made by the visiting committee regarding inadequacy of facilities in the National Museum for the display of the many art treasures which are available but not on display.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 91 and 92 together.
I would refer the Deputy to my recent statement on the report of the board of visitors issued through the Government Information Services in which I have outlined my proposals for making available additional accommodation for the exhibition of items from the National Museum collections not at present on display. I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate a copy of the statement with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
Statement by Minister for Education on Report of Board of Visitors of the National Museum for the Year 1977-78.
The Report of the Board of Visitors of the National Museum of Ireland for the year 1977-78 has been presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas in accordance with statutory requirements.
The Minister for Education has noted the comments of the Board of Visitors and wishes to make the following observations. Both he and the Minister of State at the Department of Education are continuing to take appropriate action to improve conditions in the National Museum.
The Minister of State has had a number of meetings with representatives of the Board of Visitors regarding the question of accommodation and the future development of the National Museum.
Specific measures as follows have been taken in relation to the Museum:
During the past year, additional accommodation at 7-9 Merrion Row was fitted out and these excellent premises have been handed over to the National Museum.
Following the Government's approval, in principle, of proposals for the provision at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, of conference facilities, alternative accommodation was sought for the National Museum material stored there. Suitable premises have since been acquired at Daingean and the transfer of the material in question is proceeding. Special arrangements are being made to ensure that security precautions, temperature and humidity control will be up to optimum standards. The relevant experts with ancillary staff have been recruited to ensure that the collections are removed with maximum efficiency and safety.
Arrangements have been made for works to deal with the outbreak of dry rot, leaking pipes, and so on, and these are in the hands of the Office of Public Works. These works, which include opening up, treatment, reinstatement and redecoration are at an advanced stage and are proceeding satisfactorily.
Thirteen new posts have been created in the National Museum. Of these, nine have been filled to date and arrangements are being made for the filling of the remaining four posts by open competition to be conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners.
In addition, the Minister of State has been actively promoting the developing of a policy in relation to the establishment of museums at selected centres throughout the country. A series of meetings has been held with the National Museum Development Committee, an ad hoc body, which consists of representatives of Regional Development Organisations. Certain locations outside Dublin have been suggested as possible centres for museums. The implementation of this policy would have the twofold effect of decentralising the museum service while, at the same time, alleviating pressure of space and staff in the National Museum. The Minister regards the strengthening of the National Museum and the development of a policy of partial decentralisation as being mutually supportive.
93.
asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, for the decentralisation of the museum service.
I have been actively promoting the development of a policy in relation to the establishment of museums at selected centres throughout the country. Inter alia, I have held a series of meetings with the National Museum Development Committee, an ad hoc body, which consists of representatives of regional development organisations. Certain locations outside Dublin have been suggested as possible centres for museums and these are at present being considered.
94.
asked the Minister for Education the extent to which repairs already carried out led to the re-opening of exhibition rooms in the National Museum.
Two exhibition rooms in the National Museum have been reopened consequent on works of repair which have been carried out.
95.
asked the Minister for Education if it is intended to appoint the necessary attendant staff in the National Museum, to allow for leave, sickness and suitable rosters, before the rooms now closed can be reopened.
Additional posts for attendants in the National Museum have been created and are now in process of being filled. The creation of these additional posts will provide greater flexibility in rostering.
