A decision not to transport a significant exhibition on Irish Australia to Dublin was made because of financial constraints, a government minister has told the Irish Echo.

Not Just Ned: A True History Of Irish Australia opened to the public at the National Museum of Australia on St Patrick’s Day.

Education Minister Simon Crean, Health Minister Brendan O’Connor, NSW Labor Senator Ursula Stephens, Labor MP Deborah O’Neill, Optus CEO Paul O’Sullivan and respected author Tom Keneally were all in attendance at the exhibition’s official opening.

In an interview with the Irish Echo, Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald said she was in favour of the exhibition being brought to Ireland.

“I encourage all of our community here to go to Canberra to see it because it will have so many connections for people. Things we have grown up with hearing in our history,” Ms  Fitzgerald said.

“I actually would [like to see it brought to Ireland] but again we’re looking at a time of real stringent finances. I would love to see it in Dublin and I said that to the Ambassador.

“It would encourage movment in both directions. I gather that there were financial constraints in relation to bringing it back.”

National Museum of Australia director Andrew Sayers, in a letter to the Irish Echo, said that while it had been hoped that a version of the exhibition be brought to Ireland, “that is sadly no longer possible”.

The Irish Echo understands that Ireland’s current economic woes is one of several reasons blamed for the decision.

Qantas, through CEO Alan Joyce, had already committed to covering the major cost involved — that of transportation.

But the airline was recently advised that its support was no longer needed.

In her Lansdowne Club address, Australia’s Prime Minister recognised the exhibition’s important collection of Irish Australian stories.

“The new exhibition … shows the far-reaching influence of the Irish well beyond the Kelly Gang. The Museum worked with national and international partners to secure the loan of many significant objects for this display,” said Ms Gillard.

By Luke O’Neill and Billy Cantwell