Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the postponement of the sale of extremely valuable artworks from the Russborough House collection. I also welcome the emergence of Irish donors who are prepared to purchase these works of art and have them made available in Irish cultural institutions, using the relevant section of the Finance Act which grants appropriate tax relief.

I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, on her engagement in this matter. I welcome the fact that she is engaging with the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Deputy Harris, to better secure the future of all our historic houses. As a trustee of Muckross House, I know well that these places are in constant need of repair. Given their age and condition, there is always work to be done and sometimes it can cost hundreds of thousands of euro. I therefore welcome that engagement and, please God, given a bit of time because a committee is dealing with it and is about to report, it will better secure the future of such buildings. These houses are so important to this country culturally and historically, as well as being of great benefit to tourism. For all of those reasons, I welcome the recent developments.