asked the Minister for Education the approximate number of exhibits at present stored in the National Museum which cannot be displayed because of lack of facilities; and his plans to remedy the situation.
Written Answers. - National Museum Facilities.
99.
The reserve collections of the National Museum include items acquired for the purpose of study and in some cases display. There are over 800,000 objects in the reserve collections of the Natural History Division, 1,712,000 in the Irish Antiquities Division, 235,000 in the Art and Industry Division and 13,000 in the Folk Life Division. No separate count has been kept of the approximate numbers of items which might be placed on exhibition from time to time.
In reply to the second part of the question from the Deputy, I would refer him to a statement of the Minister for Education issued on 31 August 1979 on the Report of the Board of Visitors of the National Museum for the year 1977-78. A copy of the statement is, with the permission of the Cheann Comhairle, being circulated 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 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 development 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 two-fold 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.