Objectives of the Institute

Among the objectives for which the Institute is established are: 

• To promote the profession of conservation in Ireland and to educate by promoting the advancement and knowledge of conservation and all its disciplines.
• To promote the professional interests of members of the profession of conservation in Ireland.
• To raise the level of awareness, by educating the public in all matters relating to conservation of historic and artistic works.
• To educate by organising courses in all subjects related to the conservation of historic and artistic works, to encourage study and research, to promote proficiency and skill in the practice of conservation of historic and artistic works, and to disseminate technical and professional information related thereto.
• To provide an organisation to co-ordinate and advance the knowledge and standards of conservation practice needed to protect, preserve and maintain the condition and integrity of objects or structures which may, because of their history, significance, rarity or workmanship have a commonly accepted value and importance. The term conservation entails the examination, assessment and treatment necessary to preserve objects or structures. It may on occasion, include restoration.
• To promote, organise, assist, participate in, contribute to conferences, seminars, lectures, courses and meetings tending directly to further the educational objectives of the Institute.
• To be the organisation readily available for the consultation by government on matters relating to conservation.
• To establish, maintain and promote internationally accepted standards of practise, professional relationships and a code of ethics for conservators and to oppose any influences which would tend to lower such standards and ethics.
• To represent the profession of conservation in Ireland and for this purpose to pursue its objectives in any part of the world alone or in conjunction with others and/or either by or through its members or agents.
• To print, publish and support the dissemination of information pertaining to the practice of conservation and restoration.
• To formulate a conservation policy for Ireland.
• To establish a conservation centre in Ireland to the highest international standards.
• To affiliate the Institute with other bodies in Ireland and abroad concerned and related with different aspects of conservation of cultural material.