Edward Nealon
Ceist:4 Mr. Nealon asked the Taoiseach when the stolen Beit painting discovered in Turkey will be returned to this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Stolen Beit Paintings.
The Department of Foreign Affairs are in contact with relevant public officials in Turkey to arrange the safe return to Ireland of the painting in question.
Could the Taoiseach say if the discovery of this painting in Turkey has given any substantial lead as to where the remainder of the stolen paintings may be?
I am not in a position to say.
I appreciate the delicacy of this matter and, important as is the final objective which we all desire, namely to get the paintings back, could the Taoiseach say if it is a generally held opinion that the majority of these paintings are still in this country?
If the Deputy would like to call to my office I will be happy to give him any information I have at my disposal.