Madam, - Further to the report in your edition of March 20th headed "Problems of museum storage flagged in 2006", the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland (IAI), would like to make clear that our statement clearly expressed support for the hard work and dedication of our colleagues working within the National Museum.
The statement was not a critique of the museum, but rather of the failure to acknowledge the full extent of its needs and responsibilities, and ensure that it had the resources and support required to mange them properly.
Despite the clear identification of the problems faced by the museum in previous reports over the last several years, it is only now, following on from the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, that these issues are being widely aired.
A concerted initiative is needed to deal with collections policy and management and to build an appropriate level of capacity within the National Museum that reflects the requirements of legislation, and of the profession, now and in the future. The IAI will support its colleagues within the National Museum, in seeking such a remedy.
- Yours, etc,
TERESA BOLGER, Public Relations Officer, Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland, Merrion Square, Dubllin 2.