asked the Taoiseach whether he has appointed a board of management for the concert hall in Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin; and the structure of that management.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - New Concert hall.
6.
I will be appointing this board in the coming weeks.
Is the Taoiseach in a position to tell us something about the structure of the management?
I have already informed the House of this but the Deputy has a practice of not being here when such matters are being dealt with. It is proposed to establish a company, limited by guarantee, that will manage and run the concert hall. The proposal is that there should be a nine-member board of that company. That company will then employ a manager and appropriate staff.
Is it proposed to give any representation to the members of the Radio Eireann Symphony Orchestra?
This will not be a Radio Eireann organisation but a national concert hall under the auspices of my Department. I have already invited Members to put forward any constructive proposals they have for my consideration.
I am making one now.
Arising out of the Taoiseach's invitation I should like to ask him if he would include nominations from the trade unions that represent the performing artistes such as musicians? Does the Taoiseach see a role for them as members of the board?
I do not wish to preempt any decisions about the appointments.
Will the Taoiseach accept that proposal in principle?
I will take note of the suggestion.
The Taoiseach has told us that this company, limited by guarantee, has the right to appoint the manager——
I meant to say to employ the manager and staff.
Did the Taoiseach tell the House some time ago that the manager had been appointed?
He was recruited through the normal procedures of the Civil Service Commission.
At the time the Taoiseach said he had been appointed I should like to know if the interviews had taken place and the appointment been made.
As far as I can recall, at the time the Deputy raised the matter the interviews had taken place and the person had been selected but he may not have been appointed.