Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 2

Adjournment Debate. - Art Robbery.

Mr. Timmins

I regret that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy O'Donoghue, or his Minister of State, cannot be in the House. I do not wish to question the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt's ability, but it would have been preferable if someone from the relevant Department could have been present to give the reply.

I condemn the robbery of paintings from Russborough House outside Blessington. This was not a normal robbery, but an attack on the citizens of the State. There has been a recent trend involving the theft of art works or cultural artefacts which are taken out of the country. This is the third time this location has been targeted and it appears that we do not learn from mistakes. I question whether a certain criminal element believes it is immune from prosecution and that it can do what it likes.

The greater Blessington area and large parts of north Wicklow have been subject to a spill-over of crime from the greater Dublin area. This particular robbery was a professional job. However, for many years I have been pressing the Minister for additional gardaí for Bray and Naas, which service west Wicklow.

We have two options open to us. First, we can increase security at Russborough House and the general area. This kind of robbery is not unique to Russborough House as it could happen in the National Museum or National Library. People do not like strict security regimes as they take from the pleasure of viewing art. However, we can increase the deterrents. The Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Bill has reached Committee Stage and the Minister should consider introducing a section to that legislation dealing with the theft of art or artworks. If he does not introduce such an amendment, Fine Gael will do so. I hope the Minister will support that amendment. The time has now come to introduce a strong deterrent to deal with such acts. Some of the paintings from one of the previous robberies were never recovered and, although I hope we will recover both of these stolen items, it is quite possible that they will never be found.

We must signal our intent in this matter, however, by creating a new section in the Larceny Bill to deal specifically with the theft of works of art and other historical artefacts. I look forward to the Minister bringing forward some innovative proposals on Committee Stage of that Bill.

What is the current state of the investigation process? What steps is the Minister's Department taking to try to recover these paintings?

Mr. T. Kitt

I thank Deputy Timmins for raising this important matter. I am standing in for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform who, unfortunately, is unable to attend the House this evening.

The Minister shares the Deputy's concerns about this blatant crime, although he was glad to note that no member of the public was hurt during the incident. The Minister has been informed by the Garda authorities that at about 12.30 p.m. yesterday, at least three men drove up the avenue of Russborough House in a Pajero jeep and a light blue Golf. The two occupants of the jeep drove up the steps of the house and rammed the front door, demolishing the bottom half. Two raiders, one of whom was armed with a pistol, then ran into the house and removed two paintings, including their frames. It is understood that one of the paintings, Madame Baccelli: Dancer, by Gainsborough, is valued in excess of £2 million. A third raider remained in the Golf car and all three raiders left in that vehicle.

The magnetic alarms on the paintings immediately alerted gardaí in Naas. The raiders tried to set the Pajero jeep alight as they left but a Garda sergeant, who was first on the scene, succeeded in extinguishing the fire. The raiders also attempted to hijack a car driven by a local man who refused to hand over his keys. A pistol shot was fired. The gang drove on to Russelstown Park by Blessington Lake, set the Golf on fire and made their escape.

The Minister has also been informed by the Garda authorities that a large Garda search operation was immediately put in place, utilising specialist Garda services as necessary. Twelve checkpoints were established and the area was searched by helicopter. The Garda dog unit, assisted by members of the Carlow/Kildare search unit, has also been carrying out searches in the area. An incident room has been established in Blessington Garda station and the Garda technical bureau is examining the scenes and vehicles.

With regard to the security arrangements in place at Russburough House, I understand that it is owned and managed by the Sir Alfred Beit Foundation and that the arrangements in place are primarily a matter for it. While it would clearly not be advisable for me to go into any detail, I understand that the security at Russborough House was significantly upgraded in the wake of the 1986 robbery, and that Garda experts provided advice to the owners of the house and their security firm. The Garda Síochána are of course willing to advise and assist the foundation in any way they can to ensure the security of this part of our artistic and cultural heritage in the future.

I am aware that there has already been newspaper speculation as to the identity of the culprits but the House will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment on this matter as the Garda investigation is still at an early stage. The House will, however, already be aware of the measures which the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has put in place to tackle crime. The legislative and law enforcement measures which have been introduced in recent years have had a significant impact. Major gangs have been dismantled and a number of prominent criminals have fled this jurisdiction.

The Garda Commissioner and the Minister are satisfied that there are adequate structures, measures and resources in place to provide an effective response to serious crimes such as this, and they are confident that the Garda Síochána will carry out a thorough investigation into this crime.

While I am not in a position to make a commitment because it is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I will convey to the Minister the Deputy's views and ideas with regard to legislation covering the theft of art works.

The Dáil adjourned at 10.35 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 28 June 2001.