asked the Minister for Education if she will report on the damage and deterioration suffered by the Ardagh Chalice, the Book of Kells, the Tara Brooch and other priceless treasures of this country as a result of being taken abroad on exhibition; and whether the damage or deterioration is repairable.
Written Answers. - Exhibition of National Treasures.
441.
Some very minor damage and deterioration was observed in the Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch and some other artefacts. The necessary corrective conservation has been carried out and the artefacts are now on exhibition in the National Museum. No visible damage has been caused in the case of the Book of Kells.