Ireland urged to create national panel to evaluate claims for Nazi-era and colonial loot

An Irish government-appointed expert group has recommended creating a national panel to evaluate claims involving Nazi-era looted art and colonial-era objects held in public collections, alongside state funding for provenance research. The Advisory Committee on the Restitution and Repatriation of Cultural Heritage—established in 2023 and led by Donnell Deeny, chair of the UK Spoliation Advisory Panel—presented its final report to the Irish government earlier this month, urging new legislation to establish a Restitution and Repatriation Advisory Panel of Ireland. The report says the culture minister should be empowered to direct or authorize returns even when statutory restrictions or trust deeds would otherwise prevent deaccessioning, and it highlights capacity gaps: 77% of Irish collecting institutions lack dedicated provenance staff and 90% lack comprehensive online catalogues. Irish minister for culture Patrick O’Donovan said he is considering the recommendations, will consult stakeholders, and intends to bring an implementation plan to government.

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