Madam, - I refer to David Orford's letter of July 8th about Emo Court and gardens and Major Cholmeley Harrison's extraordinary act of generosity in handing over this property to the State in 1994 so that it might be enjoyed by the public.
Emo Court is open to the public from June to September every year and the gardens are open every day all year round, during daylight hours. It is intended in the future to dedicate a room in Emo Court to Major Cholmeley Harrison and to display some of his memorabilia.
To this end I recently commissioned, on behalf of the State, a portrait of Major Cholmeley Harrison, which was presented and unveiled last Thursday evening in Emo Court and will serve as some permanent recognition of his gift to the State. - Yours, etc,
TOM PARLON TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2.