asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed at the National Museum, Dublin 2; the number of staff with security training; if he is satisfied that the number of staff is adequate to ensure security of the material in the control of the museum; the procedures which are used to check on the security of materials not on regular display; the frequency of inventories made of material in the possession of the museum; the procedures which are used for clearing persons who request access to materials not on display; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The total staff complement of the National Museum amounts to 71 at present. Additional security is provided by the gardaí on duty on a 24-hour basis as well as by the Military Police.

On taking up duty in the museum, all staff receive "on the job" training in respect of their duties, including those duties of a security nature.

An assessment of the existing security measures in place in the National Museum is underway. A major programme of works to strengthen internal and external security in the museum has been in progress and when fully implemented will cost approximately £160,000. The question of staffing levels is being considered in this context.

The frequent listing and checking of materials required for exhibition, loan or conservation provides the basis for the checking on the security of materials not on regular display.

There is an ongoing inventory of material in all sections of the museum and an active acquisitions policy which includes the registration and logging of artefacts as soon as they become part of the collections.

Access to materials is given to bona fide researchers who are recommended by reputable sources. Such researchers are supervised at all times by relevant members of the museum's technical and professional staff.

Would the Taoiseach confirm that in the nine year period, 1980-89, the number of keepers in the National Museum was reduced from 22 to 13 and the number of technicians from 15 to 11 and that staff figures in the National Museum are being maintained at their present level because of the fact that the National History Museum is currently closed and its staff have been redeployed to the National Museum?

I cannot confirm or deny that suggestion. I have not that information, but the whole situation in the museum is the subject of constant ongoing attention particularly from the security aspect and all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the collections.

Is the Taoiseach in a position, regardless of whether he has any specific information, to say if he is happy with the current arrangements in the National Museum, some of which were touched on last week when the Taoiseach disclosed to the House that whatever the arrangements 31 items belonging to a section of the collection went missing?

That matter has been disposed of in the House

It relates directly as an illustration of what can happen currently. What steps, in the light of that and in the light of the review of security in the museum will be taken to improve matters directly relating to staffing?

We are spending £160,000——

Fixing the roof.

No, on security measures. The whole security situation is under review. The staffing levels will be considered again when these works are completed.

Does the concept of the employment of extra staff enter into the budget allowed for the museum in the coming months?

I said in my reply that the question of staffing levels is being considered in the context of the new works being undertaken.

Let us move on to another question.

The fear would be that consideration would be given to reducing numbers. I am asking specifically if the concept of increasing staff for the purposes of keeping curating and security in the museum will be actively considered.

If necessary.

Clearly we cannot debate this matter today.