John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a few things I wish to put to the Minister of State on the record. That 9th century item described as a rare manuscript and exercise book, "Pangur Bán", went a fair distance in considering trying to get it to Ireland and having it displayed at Kilkenny Castle, to the extent that a request was made to those who hold the book at present. I am disappointed that did not happen. Earlier, when I spoke, the Minister of State said there was a possibility of another Department taking it up. Is that not an example of Departments working in silos? Would the Department not just ask them? The initial request was made by the collection team in the OPW. It wrote and asked for it to be brought to Kilkenny. There is a connection with Cartoon Saloon in Kilkenny city and what it did arising out of the works in that rare document. Perhaps the Minister of State would revisit the matter. It would not cost the State a fortune. It is the management of the manuscript and its safe return. Surely to God it is not beyond the OPW to engage with the Minister, Deputy Martin, or somebody else.