Nothing could have prepared parents for what they might have heard today about the death of their young sons and daughters in the United States. It is an absolute tragedy and I send my sympathy and condolences to any family suffering this loss.

The Beit collection, Russborough House and all in it were left to the State in 1976 by Alfred and Lady Beit. Could somebody, please, tell me, therefore, what it is doing leaving the State without our permission, without an export, or any, licence, and possibly without the knowledge of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht? I know her to be a person interested in preservation. Those who know anything about preservation in Monaghan and her background know she has an excellent record in preservation. How much did she know about it? I would like to know what she knew about it. Who gave permission for this to happen?

She was not consulted.

Yes, that is what I am saying. That is why I am asking the question. If she was not consulted, why not? How dare anybody take our paintings and put them on a boat or an aeroplane and send them to Christies. I do not accept it at all. What licence did they have to do so, export or otherwise? What moral, ethical or State licence did they have to do so? I would like an answer to this question, please.

Outrageous, appalling, desperate and awful really do not cut it with regard to the closure of Clerys. What are we going to do about it?

Exactly.