asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the establishment of the Irish-Jewish Museum in Dublin; to the significant contribution which it already has made to the consolidation of the many facets of Irish culture; to its unique role in developing and expanding tourism in Dublin; to the fact that a formal application has been made to his Department for national lottery funding to enable them to develop the museum; if an application has been received and evaluated; if assistance will be granted to the Irish-Jewish Museum; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am aware that the Irish-Jewish Museum has been established at Walworth Road, Dublin 8, and that the museum sought national lottery funding from my Department. The request was forwarded to the National Heritage Council. The council has complete freedom in its assessment of projects and recommendations for grant assistance to heritage projects.

The reason I put this question on the Order Paper is that I wish to elicit from the Taoiseach's Department to whom the application was made some indication of the timetable by which a positive or definitive response will be given. Is the Taoiseach in a position with the additional information he may have to indicate now or perhaps later when the application will be constructively dealt with?

That is a matter for the heritage council. I believe they may seek more information from the museum authorities before coming to a decision.

May I take it that what the Taoiseach is indicating to me is that the applicants should directly contact the heritage council and submit or supply the additional information which that council requires?

Yes.