Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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117. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has considered proposals for the return of the Book of Kells from Trinity College Dublin to Kells, County Meath; if she has engaged with Meath County Council, Trinity College Dublin and other stakeholders in this regard; if she is supportive of such proposals in view of the potential benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21490/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I am aware of the current consideration and abiding interest of the local community that the Book of Kells would be loaned for exhibition at Kells, County Meath.  Dating from the 9^thcentury, the book is the greatest surviving treasure of the monastic Irish period.The Book of Kells has been in the care of Trinity College since 1661 and on display there to the public since the 19^thcentury.  Currently bound in four volumes, two volumes are normally on display to visitors in the College Library.  Loans of the Book from TCD have been very rare and, increasingly in our times, give rise to conservation concerns.

My Department has not been engaged with the parties in relation to the proposed exhibition of the Book in County Meath.  This is a matter for specific consideration between the parties rather than an issue of policy development.  The primary consideration in this regard is the safeguarding and conservation of one of Ireland's most valuable treasures which is a responsibility in the first instance of the custodians in Trinity College Dublin, having regard to the advice of the professional staff and advisers.