Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to address the House today. Concern has been growing in recent weeks about the decision of the Alfred Beit Foundation to sell paintings at Russborough House, of which I have been acutely aware. There has also been a lot of misinformation circulating in the public domain. I welcome the opportunity to address this matter in the Seanad today and to discuss the challenges facing historic houses generally.

It is important to make clear to the House that the Alfred Beit Foundation is an independent trust and I cannot instruct it on how to conduct its business.