Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the contact he has had with the Office of Public Works to ensure the early refurbishment and repairs required at the Natural History Museum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41229/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department, the Office of Public Works and the National Museum are examining options for early commencement of the restoration works so that the Natural History Museum will be re-opened as soon as possible.

Since the National Museum of Ireland became an autonomous statutory body under the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 on 3rd May 2005, the Board of the National Museum is statutorily responsible for operational matters concerning its collection.

I understand that the National Museum of Ireland has commenced work on the documentation of exhibits in the Natural History Museum. The opportunity to address this work, which is provided by the closure of the Museum, will be fully utilised.

The National Museum also intends to display some of the Natural History collection in the Riding School, Collins Barracks from the end of January 2009. This will provide an alternative public display for a portion of the Natural History Museum exhibits, while the building remains closed for redevelopment.