96. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if research has been done or is planned on the promotion of the huge influence of Irish monks in Europe in the early medieval period and their huge role in spreading Christianity education and literacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44535/26]

The responsibilities of my Department do not include direct commissioning or funding of historical research. However in relation to promotion of the influence of Irish monks in Europe, I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the exhibition called 'Words on the Wave' which took place at the National Museum of Ireland from 29th May 2025 to 27th October 2025. The exhibition was very successful, attracting 121,800 visitors during this period.

The Words on Wave Exhibition explored the topic of early medieval Ireland and its impact on Europe. At its heart were 17 manuscripts on loan from “Stiftsbibliothek St. Galle” (The Abbey Library of St Gall) a monastery in Switzerland with deep Irish connections, most notably in their manuscripts, the finest of which were loaned and displayed. Key objects from the National Museum of Ireland’s collections featured alongside the exhibition, demonstrating the range of influences and ideas that were exchanged between Ireland and continental Europe in the early medieval period.

St. Gall was a companion of Columbanus, one of the Irish monks who left Ireland in the 6th century and made a lasting impact on Europe. Their journeys carried not only people but also manuscripts, ideas, and artistic traditions, connecting the small island of Ireland to a much larger continent.

The exhibition represented a world-first, marking the largest-ever loan of these manuscripts, some returning to Ireland for the first time in over 1,000 years. These books, written on vellum, reflect the journeys of early medieval Irish monks like St. Gall and St. Columbanus, who travelled to Europe seeking exile, refuge, and learning.

An exhibition catalogue, which showcased much of the original research carried out for the project, has sold more than 1600 copies to date. The project has forged research links with many institutions including University College Cork, University College Dublin, Trinity College and in the Swiss National Museum and in the Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen, as well as the Abbey of Sainte-Maurice D’Agaune. Researchers at the National Museum edited the exhibition catalogue, participated in talks for the public and at conferences such as the International Conference on Insular Art organised by the Department of Archaeology, University College Cork.

Furthermore, the National Museum of Ireland is currently working with the Swiss National Museum to open the exhibition in Zurich in January 2027. This exhibition will feature objects from the collections of the National Museum of Ireland and will run for five months. This process has also led to shared research and professional connections between colleagues in Ireland and Switzerland.