Síle de Valera
Ceist:1 Miss de Valera asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the number of artifacts returned to the National Museum under the National Monuments Act up to 21 February 1995.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Artefacts Returned to National Museum.
Under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994, anyone in possession of an unreported archaeological object discovered since 1930 must report it to the National Museum of Ireland no later than 21 February 1995.
The National Museum has informed me that many hundreds of items have been handed in to the museum, that more have been reported by telephone but not yet fully processed. The museum is not in a position to give a precise figure at this stage as the statutory deadline for reporting has just expired. From the assessments carried out to date the museum reports that while many of the objects reported or returned are of minor significance, some comprise important antiquities.
While it is too early to come to firm conclusions, it would seem that section 5 of the 1994 Act has been quite successful in meeting its objective. When assessment of the reports received is completed, the National Museum will have a more comprehensive picture of archaeological objects in circulation, including when and where they were discovered or acquired, than heretofore. This information, when assimilated, combined with the other provisions in the 1994 Act, will make illegal trade in archaeological objects of national significance more difficult for those who view our national heritage simply as objects to be bought and sold.
Like the Minister, I am delighted there was such a good response to the provisions of the 1994 Act given that we all acknowledge the need to protect all our archaeological objects and that, in order to achieve that objective, there is need for a system of reporting, of which this will be the beginning. I am sure the Minister would also accept that it is appropriate to acknowledge the work done by the National Museum, by local museums, by historical and archaeological societies, libraries and other outlets in disseminating information, particularly the brochure made available by the National Museum.
Considering that this proposal will entail a much greater workload for the National Museum of Ireland, will the Minister agree that greater emphasis should be placed on the need for staffing so that further work on the museum could be undertaken? Furthermore, will he acknowledge that, in response to this new development — which has been so encouraging — greater emphasis should be placed on the need for regional museums and a structure for each put in place? Will he say whether such will be considered within the context of the legislation in the offing on museums?
I agree with Deputy de Valera that the excellent information brochure produced, called. Protecting our past — a Short Guide to the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994 — was of great assistance in encouraging people to comply with the provisions of that Act. When that Bill was introduced there was agreement on all sides of the House that our heritage was our common property and we should do everything possible and/or necessary to protect it, which is the intention of the relevant legislation.
In answer to the Deputy's second question on staffing resources of the National Museum, these are kept under continuous review. In any event, we shall have to review them when the interim report on the future of the National Museum is delivered to me. Certainly, the future of museums generally, and how they might meet the requirements of curatorial security, conservation, safe transport, or whatever, is a matter to which we can return when discussing the forthcoming cultural institutions Bill which will deal with museums and libraries.
does the Minister accept there is a lamentable lack of such museum services in his and my constituencies, in Waterford and many other areas, with a great wealth of heritage that should be recognised, preserved and made accessible to local people?
Suffice to say I am aware there has been a neglect of museums for some time. The whole purpose of putting in place a new legislative regime is to encourage people to meet that demand.