asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the progress made to date in relation to the establishment of an Irish Philatelic Museum; and when such a museum will be opened to the general public.

: Plans for a museum have had to be shelved because of financial stringencies. It is not, I regret, possible to say when a museum can be opened, but preparation of display material will be continued.

: I regard that as a very inadequate answer.

: Ask a question please, Deputy.

: The Minister must be aware of the ever-increasing interest in Irish philately and the fact that we have a large export of postage stamps. Could he even examine the feasibility of establishing a museum in a less costly fashion? My information is totally contradictory to what the Minister read out, which was a bland answer to a question that deserves more elaboration.

: I am aware of what the Deputy said. As a result of a meeting with the Philatelic Society, I am aware of the present situation. What the Deputy says is true but, as I said in my reply, plans have been shelved because of the present financial situation.

: Question No. 21.

: Am I allowed to ask a second supplementary question? Could the Minister give some indication when he will take another look at the matter?

: If the financial situation improves we will establish a Philatelic Museum.

: Would the Minister be prepared to scale down the initial——

: We will have a look at it with a view to doing as the Deputy suggests.

: Is the Minister aware that £1 million profit is being made each year from the sale of stamps and that such a museum would be a great tourist attraction? I ask the Minister to look into this as a matter of grave urgency.