Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 April 2021
43. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline her policy to secure the repatriation of items of cultural heritage obtained through plunder and colonialism from the UK authorities to museums here and to repatriate items of cultural institutions from museums here to nations items that were unjustly taken. [22448/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Cultural Institutions have policies in relation to historic artefacts, where such items may be considered national treasures, and constantly consider ethics and changing sensitivities around such matters. While it would be difficult to identify precisely the circumstances of acquisition in the distant past for many of the historic artefacts currently held abroad, specific proposals from interested parties for repatriation of such items can be examined at present on a case by case basis.
It is recognised that the ancient heritage of Ireland is also part of the patrimony of Europe. The transfer of artefacts from Ireland was not solely the consequence of plunder nor expropriation. The interaction of people across the centuries also included the movement of cultural treasures, most notably in the Monastic age. The primary considerations are that historic artefacts from Ireland now held abroad are in safe keeping and that they can be seen by students and visitors which is increasingly possible through digitisation initiatives.
