asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations for the return of the speculum of the Birr Telescope from Kensington Museum, London, which is one of the great monuments of the scientific era and is of world importance; if, in view of its importance to this country, he will arrange to open top level discussions with a view to meeting this very reasonable national request; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Birr Telescope.
15.
I have made inquiries regarding the speculum of the Birr Telescope and am informed that it was donated to the British Science Museum in 1914 by the then owner the Fifth Earl of Rosse. The speculum is therefore the property of the British Science Museum, where it is currently on display. However, in view of the historical significance of the Birr Telescope and current efforts to restore it to its original working order, I will certainly ask my officials to pursue the matter with the British Science Museum and I will communicate to the Deputy the outcome in due course.
I thank the Minister for his reply and for the representations he proposes to make. In the course of these representations he might point out to the British authorities that it does not make sense to have the speculum of the telescope in the Kensington Museum and the telescope itself in Birr. Since this telescope is the best of its type in the world, perhaps special consideration could be given to its return to complete the telescope.
Mr. Patrick Moore referred to this when he lectured here about a fortnight ago and said the telescope should be put together again. I would be glad to support that and will make representations to that effect.
Does the Minister anticipate any delay in making these representations? This should be an ongoing process until commonsense prevails. Unlike the Portarlington Mace, the speculum should be returned as soon as possible.
The Deputy must be aware of the length of time it took to get satisfaction for our moral rights in that case but I hope it will not take that long to have the speculum returned. We will pursue this matter as expeditiously as possible.