Madam, - Research and collections care are critical aspects of any natural history museum, but public exhibits are the face of Dublin's "Dead Zoo". Many people may not be aware that here in Dublin we have a fantastic collection of animal and plant fossils that document the evolution of this island.
Yet the priorities of the National Museum of Ireland have prevented fossils from being on public exhibit in Dublin for many years.
I hope that the recent report on the Natural History Museum by the Royal Irish Academy will provide not only an impetus for additional staff in Ireland's largest public museum, but will also stimulate the actual construction of a permanent fossil exhibit for the people - especially the children - of Ireland. - Yours, etc,
GARETH DYKE, School of Biology and Environmental Science, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4.