Vol. 520 No. 2
44 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will state the specific proposals she has for the development of vibrant museums in every county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15310/00]
While the function of developing county museums is primarily that of the relevant local authority, I understand that the Heritage Council which is an autonomous agency set up under the Heritage Act, 1995, provides guidance on such issues as museum standards and computerisation, collection and training surveys for museums and these will undoubtedly be of great benefit to local museum curators.
There are two significant measures available through my Department to assist the development and curatorial activity in county museums. As I indicated in my recent speech in Clonmel, under ACCESS, the new arts and culture capital enhancment support scheme which I announced recently, financial assistance will be available to local authorities for suitable major capital improvement projects at county museums.
