Vol. 562 No. 2
194 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to extend the museum service in respect of certain items with a view to making the service more community based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5918/03]
196 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to ensure that some items on display in museums are made more readily available to schools and colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5920/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 196 together.
My statutory responsibilities in this area is limited to the National Museum of Ireland, NMI. The National Museum of Ireland displays its national collections in facilities at Collins Barracks, Kildare Street, and Merrion Square in Dublin and Turlough Park House in County Mayo.
The National Museum of Ireland has a responsibility to conserve and preserve its artefacts for existing and future generations. Against this background it has an ongoing practice of facilitating the loan of material to venues that meet the necessary security, safety and other requirements relating to the specific artefacts involved.
A number of loans have been made to designated county museums meeting the loan criteria. However, I have no statutory responsibility for county museums.
