The Advisory Committee on the Restitution and Repatriation of Cultural Heritage is tasked with developing policy advice and national guidelines on the restitution of cultural heritage objects in Ireland that may have been illegally or unethically elicited or traded. The issue of repatriation and restitution is an important one, involving sensitive and complex matters, especially in the current global context. Through its work, the Advisory Committee will provide guidance to cultural institutions and other bodies that have responsibility for managing historic collections on associated matters, including provenance research.
I am satisfied that progress is well underway on this work and I look forward to receiving the Advisory Committee's report. Following consideration by the Government, I plan to publish the report at the earliest opportunity. The Advisory Committee met last on 3rd November 2025 and the minutes of this meeting will be published by the Secretariat [the Heritage Council] when they are agreed at the next meeting. It may be noted that a number of work programme strands are progressed between meetings via the sub-committee structure and through the work of the Secretariat.
It would be a matter for our National Cultural Institutions, who are represented on the Advisory Committee, to consider any requests regarding the repatriation of items held in the national collections. My Department works with the National Cultural Institutions on such matters which may arise from time to time and as required. However, it would not be appropriate to comment on any individual cases, due to the sensitivities which can arise. The advice and guidance from the Advisory Committee will assist in these processes going forward.
