Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2004
183 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of artefacts in storage due to lack of display space; and the extent to which he can arrange for the display of such items either through schools or various local museuMs [6297/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is assumed that the Deputy's questions relate to artefacts in the care of the National Museum of Ireland. The national museum is responsible for the care and protection for posterity of Ireland's portable heritage, which comprises a vast number and variety of objects. As a collecting agency with responsibility for their preservation and conservation as well as display, the museum will never be able, nor would it be appropriate for it, to place all of the national collection on display.
The national museum has an ongoing policy of exhibition development at each of its four sites to facilitate greater access and interpretation of the collection. In furtherance of this policy it places the most significant and relevant objects on display to the public in a context that adds to their understanding of the material.
The national museum's active education and outreach programme endeavours to make the collections as accessible, as possible, to schools.
The National Museum of Ireland has a policy of lending material to appropriate museums nationwide, and also has material on loan to most designated county museums.
