Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I understand these further works will cost in the region of €30 million. In view of the importance of the National Gallery, will the Minister provide this money, if possible in the Estimates, because the gallery is within his remit? I remind him that the other national institutions, namely, the Abbey Theatre and the National Concert Hall, have been allocated funds for major refurbishment or have been promised funds. The National Gallery is the last institution waiting for major investment. That is why this is so important. I also remind the Minister that the director of the National Gallery during its most formative period was a Tarbert man, Tom McGreevy, who was director from 1951 to 1965 or 1966. That was a very important period, so obviously there would be a north Kerry interest in this matter as well.

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