Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Taoiseach for the update on the merging of the National Library with the Irish Manuscripts Commission and the National Archives. Some careful reflection is needed on the composition of that proposed body. My question is in the context of the Irish Manuscripts Commission. I understand a significant number of important and valuable Irish manuscripts are held in monasteries and other locations abroad. We know the number and locations of these documents but many are beginning to seriously disintegrate. They are a fundamental and valuable part of this country's heritage and history, and some are very aged. It would be important for the authorities and owners of the locations where the manuscripts are held to be contacted either by the Department of the Taoiseach or the reformed entity as a matter of some urgency.

The Taoiseach will recall a number of years ago when an exact facsimile of the Book of Kells was introduced and sold to locations around the world. In these cases, the manuscripts are starting to disintegrate and will be beyond reprieve over time. It is an issue for the country and the manuscripts involved are of exceptional importance to the country and the make-up of our history. It would not do for them to be irrevocably lost.

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