Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the National Museum's plans. I am also aware that 22 years ago it moved much of its collection to Collins Barracks.

I have a particular interest because my father worked in the National Museum for more than 30 years. At the time of the move to Collins Barracks, we were told the site would allow for a large expansion in the exhibition space in order that the museum could display much of what was in its vaults in collections that had been unseen by the public for many years. Some 22 years later, the space used within Collins Barracks remains limited. The large undertaking the museum has proposed will require money to open more gallery space and showcase much of the Irish history that is not fully explored and interpreted in the existing exhibitions.

I accept that the Minister is not directly involved in dictating the content of exhibitions. When the museum comes looking, as it will have to because it has been starved of funding for many years, I hope the Government will not be found wanting in ensuring there is no delay in putting on the exhibition they have outlined.

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