asked the Taoiseach if he will encourage the exhibition of works of art in all public and civic buildings under the control of his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exhibition of Works of Art.
4.
I have frequently stressed the desirability of having works of art displayed in all our public buildings. There are already some works of art on display in the offices of my Department and I intend to add others as the opportunity offers.
Would the Taoiseach indicate if he has given a direction to any specific civil servant in his Department to undertake this?
I think that I am very capable of carrying out that particular function myself.
Final supplementary, please.
Further arising from the Taoiseach's reply, there would be no charge on the Exchequer because, as the Taoiseach is sadly aware, there are a number of paintings and works of art in the basements of the National Gallery.
The Deputy is also making a statement. Would he ask a question, please?
The works of art on display in the Offices of the Department of the Taoiseach are all works of art on loan from the National Gallery.
Since the Taoiseach has decided to take on this responsibility himself, could he inform us, arising out of his reply, what insurance complications, if any, might there be in relation to the display, in places with access to the public, of works in the national collection?
This would appear to be a separate question.
With all due respect, they do arise from the Taoiseach's own reply. He has accepted that he will undertake to look after the matter himself.
The question directed to me was had I directed any particular official to be responsible for selecting pictures for the offices of the Taoiseach. I thought I indicated that I would do that myself, in consultation with the Director of the National Gallery, which I think is the normal procedure. There is nothing very sinister or underhand about all this. It is a fairly well-established practice.
How unusual?
There is nothing revolutionary about it.
Deputy FitzGerald might not like the paintings.
I accept that there is nothing sinister or revolutionary about this particular Taoiseach or this particular matter. Could I ask the Taoiseach, in relation to the question put down on the Order Paper, since this matter has arisen in the past of insurance complications about the display of works of the national collection in public buildings, if he would circulate or, if possible, inform the Members of this House about the possibility, which I would welcome. It would clarify what was instanced as being an obstacle in the past, that is the hanging of——
I understand that there are no problems involved in displaying works of art from the National Gallery in public offices.
That is if the public do not have access to the building. If the public have access, there is a problem.