It is not unusual that this situation should arise. Many of the institutions under the aegis of my Department receive private donations for a variety of projects and activities and these are managed by the institutions themselves. I do not get involved in the day to day management of these institutions. As to why some private donors wish to remain anonymous, I am advised that donors who contribute to worthy public projects such as the gallery extension often do not wish their names to be made public for a variety of legitimate reasons which might include a decision to announce the donation at a particular time for commercial marketing reasons or a desire not to be approached by others seeking donations for different projects or causes.
I have the utmost confidence in the integrity of the chairman and the board of governors and guardians of the National Gallery. On foot of newspaper and media stories that abounded some time ago, at the end of November the chairman of the board of governors and guardians of the National Gallery of Ireland gave all the information I sought. I have every confidence in his integrity. I also have every confidence in the chairperson of the fundraising foundation, Mr. Peter Barry.