Among the considerations were the possible impact on trade from Arab countries and the cost of security.

A memo where the two governments discussed the robbery of €29.8 million in cash from the Belfast bank in 2004 was released as part of the annual release of the National Archives in Dublin.

A priceless piece of lunar rock given to Ireland following a Nasa mission was lost in a fire at Dunsink Observatory, newly released records show.

The Royal Bank of Scotland tried to give the State the portrait for two years.

The exhibition at Dublin Castle reflects aspects of life in independent Ireland, as revealed in the National archives.