I gave the House as much information as I can. Media coverage of the Lusitania is couched mainly in terms of valuable objects. A total of 1,095 people lost their lives in the tragedy and I put a heritage order in place not only to protect the artefacts on the wreck but to protect the site as a grave. I understand that an out of court settlement was recently made in the United States in the Bemis and Light case. One of their claims was based on ownership of the vessel and the other on salvage rights. The Irish interest would arise if a person inflated that judgement to make a claim for objects left on board the wreck. The passengers' next-of-kin are entitled to property rights and the Irish State is the beneficiary of the Sir Hugh Lane's will.
A specific interest would arise in regard to the codicil to the will if the paintings referred to were, for example, impressionists. In his main will Sir Hugh Lane left all the remaining paintings to the National Gallery. I sought the advice of the Solicitor General in this matter and we are having our interests represented in the United States.
On the other matter that was raised it would be important, at an appropriate stage, to assess the present state of objects there. In that regard a senior member of my Department has worked to establish what was carried on board, what is there and what reports are available to us on people who have died. At an appropriate stage I will have discussions with my colleague, the Minister for Defence and for the Marine, to decide on the most appropriate measures.