National Library

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015

Tuesday, 10 March 2015

Ceisteanna (627)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

627. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will place a monetary figure upon the value of the national collection held by the National Library of Ireland; if an insurance policy is in place against loss, degradation or destruction of all or part of the collection; if so, if this policy is subject to materials being stored to best international practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10244/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The National Library of Ireland is a statutorily independent body. While my Department provides funding to the national cultural institutions, the management and board of each institution are responsible for all operational matters. However, I understand that the National Library does not have a valuation of the collection as a whole, due to the volume of material that would need to be assessed and the shifting nature of market values. I am advised that the collection is covered under State indemnity.