Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Some of these questions are beyond the ambit of the original question about commemorative events and whether there are proposals for such events this year. I cannot speak on any individual initiatives or events proposed for this year which may or may not be funded. Applications for funding under the commemoration initiatives fund are made to my Department. A number of issues are taken into account when assessing projects for funding. These include impact, significance and relevance, geographical spread, balance between popular and academic, educational content and viability of the project. I have no information as to what particular events may be supported further during the course of this year other than those I have outlined which have received support thus far.

The question of artefacts of historical importance is a matter for the judgment of the National Museum personnel or of any other public agency as to a decision to seek to obtain or purchase artefacts which may become available for sale through various means and this has been the case in the past. I cannot comment on the specific question about this morning's auction as I have not been given any notice of it.

On the question of a statutory basis for the protection of our heritage, some good legislation has been introduced dealing with archives, items of heritage and of historic importance. This has improved both the funding and the resources which are being made available for these purposes in a whole range of areas, which also includes items of cultural and architectural value in an effort to preserve our heritage in its widest sense.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh referred to particular items of interest which come up for auction or sale. These are matters which are considered by the director of the National Museum, based on whatever existing artefacts the museum holds. I am sure the items mentioned by the Deputy are already in the possession of the museum, if not specifically the football from Croke Park.

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