Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
654. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will ensure that the National Library exhibits the letters from Freemantle prison in Western Australia (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30231/26]
View answerI have consulted with the National Library of Ireland (the NLI) on this matter and I am advised that the NLI holdings include letters relating to the Catalpa Rescue. These manuscripts form part of the John Devoy Papers.
John Devoy, Fenian and journalist, was exiled in New York City during the time of the rescue. Digitised versions of a selection of the manuscripts are currently available on the National Library of Ireland website.
The National Library lends materials from its collections from time to time for temporary exhibitions in Ireland and overseas. Requests for a loan of material is contingent on the submission of an application and the NLI may apply conditions to a loan, such as those of environmental controls and security. The NLI has received a request to exhibit a selection of letters (digital and facsimile) to mark the anniversary of the Catalpa Rescue. This exhibition will involve working with Kildare County Council and will open on 4 July.
The National Library of Ireland will also display original letters in its headquarters on Kildare Street, Dublin 2 later this year for a finite period.
