Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
477. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of art works managed by the OPW of which the location is currently unknown; and to provide a list of these works; and their estimated value. [30889/26]
View answerThe State Art Collection (SAC), which is managed by the Art Management Office in the Office of Public Works (OPW), is comprised of over 13,500 artworks. The collection includes 20th century Irish works of art as well as works acquired in more recent times, such as paintings, drawings, original prints, watercolours, sculpture, textiles, photographs, in addition to music (composition and performances), poetry, and applied art such as mosaics and art projects commissioned under the Per Cent for Art Scheme. Artworks are on display in over 500 client buildings across Ireland.
The State Art Collection is a working collection being widely dispersed with, at any given time, over 80% of the artworks on display. The function of the collection differs from that of a gallery or museum collection in that the State Art Collection is intended for public display in government offices and properties across Ireland. Artworks are displayed across a diverse range of internal and external spaces, in office buildings as well as older buildings with more traditional interiors; in garden and park settings, forecourts and courtyards.
The Art Management Office undertakes regular checks of artworks in State buildings. These checks are conducted as part of the management of the collection. In-person collection surveys in client buildings involve photographing, condition checking and updating artwork locations. Digital surveys are overseen remotely by the Art Management Office and undertaken in collaboration with the client department. The Art Management team follows-up on digital surveys and as data is updated, the system is updated.
There are several phases involved in undertaking collection surveys, all of which include co-operation between the OPW and the client. Phase 2 of the 2025 collection survey is included in the 2026 work programme. This phase involves more detailed enquiries including in person surveys to clarify any matters that arose from Phase 1. Phase 1 of the 2025 audits was completed in December 2025 and since then 3 artworks have been located. This process will continue throughout 2026.
In most cases, when the location of an artwork has changed in a client building, the artwork has been moved from its original documented location to another location within the building without the OPW being notified of a move. Artworks may occasionally be moved by the client to facilitate renovation works, office moves, etc. Such moves are subsequently traced by the Art Management Office, in co-operation with the client, through the survey and follow-up processes. As the collection surveys progress, the current locations of artworks are identified and records updated.
The financial value of the 37 artworks identified in the 2025 audit programme range from €100 - €1,150, with most being valued under €500. The location of three of these artworks has been updated since the start of 2026 and the location of the other 34 works will be checked during 2026. A further focused programme of surveys will begin in the summer months.
