Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 22 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 10

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan National Monument.

Andrew Boylan

Ceist:

15 Mr. Boylan asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over two years ago the Office of Public Works removed the Killycluggin Stone to the National Museum from the townland of Templeport, Ballyconnell, County Cavan, at which time an undertaking was given by the Office of Public Works that a suitable monument would be erected in place of the Killycluggin Stone; that this undertaking has not been honoured to date; and if a suitable monument will now be erected in place of the Killycluggin Stone.

The Taoiseach

The Killycluggin Stone has been in the safe-keeping of the National Museum of Ireland since its acquisition in 1974. It had been proposed that a replica might be erected in its place but this was not proceeded with in view of the costs involved.

The director has offered to return the Killycluggin Stone to the care of Cavan County Council in the event of a county museum being opened there.

Mr. Nealon

We had exactly the same problem with the Carrowntemple slabs or stones now on exhibition, but in fairness to the museum these were found in the boot of a car on the first leg of an illegal journey to America. Would the Taoiseach not think it a very good policy that where, for safekeeping or otherwise, important stones of this nature are taken to the National Museum, there should be replicas given to the areas that they came from?

The Taoiseach

That is exactly what we did with the Inis Mhicealáin Stone.

Mr. Nealon

That is one of the reasons I asked the question. Why not do it for the Carrowntemple Stones? If it is legitimate for the Iris Mhicealáin Stone why not for the Carrowntemple Stones?

An Ceann Comhairle

The question deals with the Killycluggin Stone and only that stone.

The Taoiseach

The State is definitely remiss and failing in its obligations to the people of Cavan in regard to the Killycluggin Stone.