Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 June 2022
142. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the outstanding requests to the State for the repatriation of any artifacts or art pieces to another country; when the request was made; the countries that made the request in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35124/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn keeping with international best practice, the National Cultural Institutions have carefully developed policies in relation to the care and management of the national collections. Increasingly in recent decades, curatorial responsibilities require a constant consideration of ethics and the changing sensitivities with regard to the acquisition, holding and exhibition of historic artefacts. The exploitation of peoples abroad or the expropriation of their cultural artefacts is a profound concern, whether dating from the historic past or occurring in more recent times, and one about which the National Cultural Institutions are acutely aware.
There are not, however, any outstanding requests to the National Cultural Institutions for the repatriation of any artefacts or art pieces in the National Collections. In keeping with their remit the National Cultural Institutions regularly engage with global indigenous communities seeking information or requests for research access on collections within their care. The facilitation of these engagements enables greater provenance research, relationship building and further dialogue with these communities.
I understand that safeguarding arrangements are in place for the consideration of any future acquisitions to the national collections and I am satisfied with the integrity and commitment in the National Cultural Institutions to investigate and consider any enquiries or complaints that might be brought relating to the historic context, interpretation or provenance of the collections.
