OPW unable to find 34 missing artworks, but no evidence they have been stolen, says minister

Audits found 37 artworks were reported missing from the State Art Collection last year, ranging in value from €100 to €1,150, and three have been recovered

The OPW refused to release any records relating to audits or missing artworks, claiming that this could prejudice the effectiveness of audits and increase the risk of theft by revealing the location of artworks. File photo: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie

Three of the 37 artworks that were reported missing from the State Art Collection last year have been recovered, but the location of the 34 others remains unknown, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has confirmed.

The minister with responsibility for the OPW has said it would be “premature” to report the disappearance of the artworks to An Garda Síochána, however, as there is currently no evidence that a theft has taken place.