Ivor Callely
Ceist:83 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the mechanism that is in place for the giving of gifts to the State in the area of arts and cultural artefacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Gifts to State.
There is no formal mechanism under the control of my Department for the receipt of gifts such as works of art and cultural artefacts. However, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all those benefactors who have made donations to the various cultural institutions under my aegis such as the National Gallery.
As I indicated in reply to a similar Question No. 30 on 12 April 1994, I am in principle in favour of the introduction of a formal scheme to encourage people to donate paintings and works of art to the nation and my Department is at present examining how best this might be done.