asked the Taoiseach, in respect of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin 4, the present position in relation to the recent difficulties experienced in the library; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Chester Beatty Library.
3.
If the Deputy is referring to the report by the consultant, engaged by the trustees, to examine the organisation of the library, I understand this report is still being considered by the trustees who, as the Deputy is aware, are an independent private trust.
If the Deputy is referring to certain staffing changes envisaged by the trustees, a proposal from the trustees is being examined in my Department and in the Department of Finance and I hope to communicate shortly with the trustees in the matter.
I am aware that a considerable amount of public funds are spent on the Chester Beatty Library. In relation to the matters being considered by the Taoiseach's Department, will he be communicating with the trustees as a matter of urgency? Are there any plans from other bodies in relation to the relocation of this library?
No. As the Deputy probably knows, a suggestion was made publicly that a new building would be provided on the campus at UCD but that has not been processed. The staffing changes which the trustees would like to see are being examined in my Department and the Department of Finance at present.
Has the Taoiseach made any inquiry through his Department of the trustees as to what extent they have considered the report of the consultants? Will the Taoiseach accept that the trustees have shown no inclination whatsoever to pay any regard to the consultants' report, especially to the very radical proposals contained in the report regarding the life terms of the trustees who are appointed or nominated to sit on the board? Will the Taoiseach accept——
Brevity, please.
As nine months have elapsed since the report was finalised, will the Taoiseach accept that there has been enough time for the board to have considered the report and made their views known to him?
That is a matter of opinion. As the Deputy knows, the trustees are completely independent under the provisions of the trust for the proper management, upkeep and control of the library and its use and enjoyment by the public. They have this report under consideration and, apart from reminding them that we would like to have it as soon as possible, there is nothing much I can do about it.
A brief question from Deputy Spring.
Accepting the independence of the trustees but also conscious of the fact that large sums of public moneys have been expended on this library, will the Taoiseach take a personal interest or appoint someone from his office to ensure that matters are brought to finality, given the serious difficulties in the library?
A final question from Deputy McCartan.
It has taken the board a very long time to act, much longer than it took Mr. O'Donnell to finalise the report. Given that the directors' position is appalling, will the Taoiseach directly intervene, through his nominee on the board, to have this matter finalised——
The Deputy has made his point.
The situation in regard to the director and the trustees is a sensitive one and there is very little overt action I can take in the matter. I can only deal with the trustees as a body, convey to them the gist of the remarks and anxieties expressed here today and ask for expedition and consideration of the O'Donnell report.