Vol. 403 No. 1
2 Mr. Nealon asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the possibility of purchasing a private collection of rare bronze age Irish gold ornaments (details supplied); if he will give an assurance that the National Museum will seek to acquire this collection; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
An official of the museum has viewed the items mentioned in order to assess their importance and significance having regard to the existing gold collection which the museum already possesses. Her report is being considered.
I am glad to learn that a very active interest is being taken in this matter and I hope it will lead to the recovery of the collection for this country. Will the Taoiseach say whether any progress has been made in relation to another of our heritage artefacts, the bronze age gold collar, discovered in 1975 and taken illegally out of this country sometime in the past few years and which is now in an auction rooms in England?
That matter is being followed up and I will keep the Deputy informed of progress.
Arising from the Taoiseach's response to the question, will he indicate whether, in the course of the follow up, the Government are now in a position to eliminate the barrier of VAT on the reimportation of Irish art works, including antiquities?
That is a separate question.
It is related to it. Will the Taoiseach talk to the Minister for Finance about it?
I will have a word with him.
The Minister for Finance talks to the Taoiseach.
