The Fine Gael spokesman on arts, heritage, Gaeltacht and the islands, Mr Enda Kenny, has called on the Minister, Ms de Valera, to buy the archive Irish newsreel due to be auctioned in Dublin next week.
The newsreel, which covers half a century from the 1916 Rising, is expected to fetch £80,000 to £100,000 when offered by auctioneer Ian Whyte on June 10th.
Videotape of the films' highlights will be shown by Whytes at their Marlborough Street, Dublin, premises on June 7th to 9th.