asked the Taoiseach if he will state the qualifications on which Dr. Patrick Browne was appointed director of the Arts Council; what remuneration he will receive as director; and if any degrees or academic qualifications are necessary for the appointment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Director of Arts Council.
1.
The Right Reverend Monsignor Pádraig de Brún was selected for appointment as Director of An Chomhairle Ealaíon—with effect from the 1st November, 1959—as being, in the opinion of the Government, the most suitable person available for that office. He is universally recognised as a distinguished scholar, whose cultural attainments are of wide range and of the highest standard. He has, moreover, had long experience in an important administrative office, as President of University College, Galway—from which office he will retire in October, 1959.
The remuneration of the Director will be at the rate of £1,000 a year, which is the rate fixed on the occasion of the appointment of Monsignor de Brún's predecessor in December, 1956.
No specific qualifications for the office of Director are prescribed by the Arts Act, 1951.
May I ask the Taoiseach if the Government had under consideration the appointment of any other suitable person for this post or was Dr. de Brún the only person considered for appointment?
I do not think I should answer that question.
Might I inquire if, as was, I think, pointed out, the proposed Director of the Arts Council will be retiring from a post he presently holds with a very substantial pension?
Surely that does not arise on this. The question deals with the qualifications.
May I say that I think the Government and the country are very fortunate indeed that a scholar of Dr. de Brún's high reputation should now be available to take this office?
Deputies
Hear, hear!
Is it not a fact that one of the main reasons of his obtaining this appointment is that he is a brother-in-law of the Tánaiste?
(Interruptions.)