Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 May 1931

Vol. 38 No. 16

In Committee on Finance. - Vote 49—Science and Art.

Professor O'Sullivan

I move:

Go ndeontar suim ná raghaidh thar £27,144 chun slánuithe na suime is gá chun íoctha an Mhuirir a thiocfaidh chun bheith iníoctha i rith na bliana dar críoch an 31adh lá de Mhárta, 1932, chun Tuarastail agus Costaisí na bhFundúireachtaí Eolaíochta agus Ealadhan i mBaile Atha Cliath, maraon le hIldeontaisí i gCabhair.

That a sum not exceeding £27,144 be granted to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1932, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Institutions of Science and Art in Dublin, including sundry Grants-in-Aid.

Mr. Esmonde

Will the Minister state why the School of Art is declining, as shown by the figures in the Estimate? I understand there is a continuous decline. It is now many years since the Minister called together a Commission of foreign experts to investigate the matter, and nothing has ever been heard of their report. Has the Minister any information to give the House?

Professor O'Sullivan

I am not satisfied with the position of the School of Art. I confess that much, and it may be necessary to take further steps. I cannot say off-hand, but I am rather surprised to hear that the numbers are actually decreasing in the School of Art.

Mr. Esmonde

The estimated fees are declining.

Professor O'Sullivan

The whole question of the School of Art is a matter that must engage serious attention in the near future, and I hope in a short time probably to bring the matter before the Executive Council.

Question put, and agreed to.