Burial Grounds

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2022

Thursday, 24 November 2022

Ceisteanna (175)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

175. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of correspondence and discussions that her Department and the authorities of Dublin University Trinity College have had on the skulls illegally removed from Inishbofin, County Galway in the 19th century and that are now in Trinity College; if she has advised that these human remains should be returned to the island for reburial in the place they were taken from; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58576/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

I recognise that there is a growing awareness internationally and among the public of the need to address the spoliation, looting and illicit trade of cultural heritage objects, as well as the restitution of same.

In relation to the specifics of the question, however, the material mentioned is held in Dublin University Trinity College. My Department has no role in the governance of the University. It is also noted that the exhumation of the remains was in the 19th century, therefore predating the 1922 Monuments Act, and as a result falls outside of the remit of the National Museum of Ireland.