Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2023
86. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if his Department has pursued the return to Ireland of important Irish artifacts kept in British museums (details supplied); and if his Department has questioned the legitimacy with which these or other artifacts were removed from Ireland to be placed in British museums. [54146/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Museum is charged with maintaining, managing, controlling, protecting, preserving, recording, conducting research and enlarging the collection of museum heritage objectives for the benefit of the public. Its functions also provide for entering into agreements with comparable institutions in support of this primary purpose.
A variety of material originating from Ireland - most especially artefacts from the Monastic Era – is now held in Great Britain and across Europe. Whether carried abroad by missionaries or taken by raiders over the centuries, there is often no surviving record in relation to their departure from Ireland.
Just as our National Collection contains artworks and objects from around the world, so too are Irish artefacts to be currently found in various international museums. Prior to the enactment of the relevant legislation (the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 and the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997), and as is the case in many countries, objects from Ireland were often legitimately acquired by antiquarian collectors and ultimately entered the collections of other museums through onward sale or donation. This type of activity dates from a time which predates the current legislation and its provisions relating to the discovery, possession and sale of archaeological objects.
Invariably, these treasures are now in institutional care and curatorial arrangements meet international best practice guidelines. Location abroad is not a primary concern in the modern age as the possibilities for online viewing increase and cultural travel in Europe is increasingly common. Ireland is prominently represented in a shared cultural heritage of Europe that predates the current borders and states.
It is important to recognise that the public holdings in Ireland also include renowned collections and important pieces from Europe and further afield. We are also fortunate to have an exquisite collection of monastic era treasures on permanent exhibition at the NMI. Our collections are held under constant review by the management of the national cultural institutions who respond proactively to change in relation to the ethics of collecting, with a particular consideration for ethnographic material.
The National Museum of Ireland maintains close relationships with international museums. I would note that many Irish objects from collections in overseas museums have been loaned to Irish institutions for specific exhibitions. The national cultural institutions also collaborate and share research in this area. My Department, along with the National Museum of Ireland and other national cultural institutions will continue to consider potential opportunities in this regard.
