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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - Archaeological Excavations.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

489 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the fact that approximately 300 human remains were removed from the Black Abbey area of Kilkenny city and are now being held for examination by her Department; the achievements to be made by this examination; where the results will be recorded; where the bodies and remains will be stored, displayed and buried; if the remains will be returned to Kilkenny and a monument erected with an outline of the history of the remains; if her Department will make funds available for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7875/99]

The remains referred to in the Deputy's question are not being held by my Department. Some 200 human skeletons were uncovered, dating to the period 1200-1600 A.D. at archaeological excavations at Abbey Street, Kilkenny in 1996. These skeletons are still with the excavators awaiting scientific examination by a qualified bioarchaeologist. The National Museum of Ireland is aware of the situation and has expressed its concern several times to the excavators regarding the slow progress in carrying out this scientific examination. Until such examination is completed and a report submitted, no decision can be made as to the ultimate fate of the Abbey Street remains. Excavation of human remains sheds valuable light on the history of early populations in Ireland and can contribute significantly to medical research. On the basis of expert advice, it is the policy of the National Museum of Ireland that all excavated human remains be retained for future research. Storage facilities have been provided for this purpose in the museum's premises in Collins Barracks. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that funding as suggested by him would not be a matter for my Department.

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