Dick Spring
Ceist:29 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands who represented the Government at the official opening of the National Museum at Collins Barracks, Dublin 7. [14657/97]
Vol. 482 No. 2
29 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands who represented the Government at the official opening of the National Museum at Collins Barracks, Dublin 7. [14657/97]
48 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to criticism of the failure to make proper preparations for the opening of the new National Museum premises in Collins Barracks, Dublin 7, which has resulted in inadequate displays of exhibits; the steps, if any, she will take to resolve the industrial dispute involving museum staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17362/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 48 together.
As Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, I had the honour of officiating at the official opening of the National Museum at Collins Barracks, an event also attended by the Minister of State at my Department, and by the Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for the Office of Public Works.
I do not accept the criticism that there has been a failure to make proper preparations for the opening of the new National Museum of Ireland facility. The staff of the National Museum, the Office of Public Works and my Department, with the co-operation of the Army, have been engaged over the past four years in continuous and detailed planning and preparation for the opening of this facility.
The first phase of this major development opened on 18 September last. The restoration of the magnificent Clarke Square is now complete and it represents the centrepiece of the barracks and the focal point for visitors with its remodelled arches, exhibition galleries and visitor facilities. To date, over 20,000 visitors have attended the new facility and the response from the public has been extremely positive.