Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Oct 1993

Vol. 435 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Museum Display Facilities.

Paul Bradford

Ceist:

160 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the number of items in the ownership of the National Museum which are kept in storage on a permanent basis due to a lack of adequate display space; the approximate total value of these items; if he has any plans to ensure that they will be made available for public display; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

I refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions 169 on 2 March, 37 on 9 March, 242 on 4 May, 179 on 11 May, and 340 on 6 October 1993, columns 252, 1036-1037, 300, 1160 and 247-248 respectively of the Official Reports for those days. As indicated in those replies the number of items in the care of the National Museum is constantly increasing. It is not possible for me to give a current figure on the number of items in the national collection as requested by the Deputy.

It is not the practice, internationally, for museums to display their collections in their entirety. The National Museum displays approximately 12,000 items at any one time. In accordance with international practice, the policy is to rotate the collections on a regular basis to ensure maximum possible public interest. The National Collection is irreplaceable and priceless and it is, therefore, impossible for me to provide the Deputy with the approximate valuation of the items requested.

The Deputy will be aware that I am at present formulating an overall National Museum policy. In this context the provision of additional exhibition space for the National Museum is under consideration.