Brendan Howlin
Ceist:61 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the possible development of a military museum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4666/02]
Written Answers. - Museum Projects.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:94 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if he has considered the possibility of the development of museums to retain memorabilia to record the history of the Air Corps and the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4667/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 94 together.
Following an extensive examination of various proposals down the years, it has been decided that the most suitable location in which to display artefacts that portray the history of the Defence Forces is the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, Dublin.
Discussions have taken place between the military authorities and officials of the National Museum of Ireland. I understand that plans for a military history exhibition at the museum are in train and the museum anticipates that an area dedicated to this display will be open to the public during late 2003.
In 1998, the Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Seamus Brennan, formed an advisory committee which had been examining the various options for establishing a national aviation centre at which Ireland's contribution to the development of aviation could be preserved. It had been hoped that many of Ireland's aviation artefacts could be housed in one purpose designed location in a manner which would be attractive to tourists and aviation enthusiasts as well of having a significant educational element.
The advisory committee had agreed that investment from the aviation sector was critical to the viability of the project. However, the prospects of attracting such investment were severely affected following the 11 September attacks on the United States. In the circumstances, the project has been suspended for the time being. In the meantime, Air Corps artefacts are under good care at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
Research is also ongoing by the military authorities towards the establishment of museums at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel and the Naval Base, Haulbowline, with a view to ensuring the role played by the Air Corps in the development of aviation in Ireland and the history of the Naval Service and its contribution to the State are appropriately recorded.
Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 44.