Written answers

Tuesday, 26 June 2012

Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs

National Cultural Institutions

9:00 pm

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the current protocol governing the lending to the State of records, artefacts and historical materials of significance to our national history and culture by the private owners of same for analysis and display at the State's cultural institutions; if the State has been offered any such records, artefacts and historical materials, either as a loan or as a gift, and has not been in a position to accept due to inadequate facilities or an inability on the State's behalf to ensure the adequate preservation and storage of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30749/12]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The protocol and procedures governing the lending to the State of any records, artefacts or other materials are determined by the specific National Cultural Institution to which it is proposed to lend the item in question and I, as Minister, have no role in relation to operational matters such as this.

I am advised, however, that the National Cultural Institutions evaluate any proposed loan in the context of it enhancing and/or complementing the national collection to which it pertains. Amongst the factors to be considered in any evaluation is the condition of the item in question, the quality of any associated documentation, the period of the proposed loan and operational matters such as finance, staffing, curatorial expertise, storage and care. Every effort is made by the institutions to ensure that all gifts and loans that are deemed of significance to our national history and culture are accepted, having due regard to the responsibilities of the institution in this regard.

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