Vol. 519 No. 5
262 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the current position in relation to a monument which was removed from Kilkea to Carlow Garda station a number of years ago; when will it be restored to its original location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14209/00]
265 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the position with regard to the historical monument which was removed from Kilkea and brought to Carlow Garda Station some years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14225/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 265 together.
The 16th century stone rent table of the Fitzgeralds of Kildare, formerly at Kilkea House, County Kildare is currently being held under the Police Property Act at Carlow Garda station. It is being held there pending the resolution of legal proceedings between parties claiming ownership of the table. I am, therefore, not in a position to say when it will be returned to its original location.
However, the National Museum of Ireland has been involved in monitoring the condition of the table since the museum first became aware of the fact that it had been moved and damaged at Kilkea House in 1987. In these circumstances, the removal of the table to Carlow Garda station was supervised by members of staff of the museum.
The table was recently inspected by a member of staff of the National Museum and the museum will continue to seek to ensure that the table is safeguarded and that its condition and conservation requirements are fully assessed.
