Vol. 397 No. 5
6 Mr. McCartan asked the Taoiseach the number of proposals contained in a report (details supplied) relating to the future of the Chester Beatty Library which find approval with him; the steps he is taking to have those proposals implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
7 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the present situation regarding the current directors of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin 4; the proposals, if any, he has for the future development of the library having regard to the constraints of the original deed of trust under which it functions and the immense significance of the collection to the Islamic world; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
My Department have recently received a copy of the consultant report in question. The trustees are now preparing proposals on a revised management structure for the library in the light of that report and of a separate report they commissioned on artistic and professional aspects of the library. When I receive these proposals, I will discuss them with the trustees with a view to ensuring that a management structure satisfactory to the trustees and the Government is established in the library.
I welcome the actions being taken by the trustees which reflect their concern to develop the full potential of the library in view of the world importance of its unique collections.
I have already, on 6 December last in reply to parliamentary questions, emphasised the independent status of the trustees and my belief that the terms of Sir Chester Beatty's will in that regard must be scrupulously observed.
I welcome the news that the report has finally reached the Taoiseach's Department. Will the Taoiseach say what day the report was received? Will he indicate whether it has been transmitted with the agreement of the trustees to co-operate in negotiation with the Taoiseach's Department in regard to any changes that might be suggested by him or his officials for the future development and management of the library?
It was received on 8 March. I am not too clear as to the thrust of the rest of the Deputy's question.
I am seeking to establish whether it was merely sent for the Taoiseach's information or whether there was any indication from the board of trustees that they are anxious to pursue their recommendations with his Department.
The Deputy can take it that the answer is yes.
I want to call Deputy Quinn as he tabled Question No. 7.
I did not want to interrupt the legal cross-examination. As a result of the resolution of the problem which existed between the director of the library and the trustees, which involved a contribution from the Department of the Taoiseach, was the substantial sum of money given over three years conditional on certain levels of co-operation between the trustees of the library on the one hand and the Department of the Taoiseach on the other in the light of the recommendations of the consultants' report?
I am not clear what point the Deputy is putting to me.
My understanding is that an arrangement was arrived at between the former director of the library and the trustees and that the dispute has now been amicably resolved. It involved, among other things, the Department of the Taoiseach making a financial contribution above and beyond the normal sum which the Taoiseach's Department give to the library. Do I understand that the Taoiseach's Department, in consideration of this contribution which was made to resolve the personnel dispute and the trustees of this library, with its unique and significant collection, have agreed in principle to implement the recommendations of the consultants' report to which Deputy McCartan's question referred?
I would not put it exactly like that. The consultants' report will now be studied and on the basis of that the trustees will come up with proposals. My Department will discuss those proposals with the trustees with a view to working out a satisfactory management structure.
Will the Taoiseach agree that a lot of concern has been expressed in academic and other circles about the way in which this unique collection — and the library which houses it — has been operated over the last number of years? Certain difficulties in the operation of the library were contained within the present structure of the deed of trust which was set up a long time ago. It is in the interest of everybody — particularly the citizens of this country — that those difficulties in the deed of trust should be resolved and the Taoiseach's Department have a particular role to play——
A question, please.
——in achieving a better relationship between the library and the rest of the country. Will the Taoiseach give the House an assurance that his Department will pursue this matter with due diligence?
Yes.
A final question from Deputy McCartan.
Does the Taoiseach have any general indication of the time-scale involved as to when he will report back to the House? I also wish to remind him of his remarks in the House on 12 April last in column 988 of the Official Report.
Quotations are not in order at Question Time.
I do not intend to quote his remarks, merely to refer to them. I wish to remind the Taoiseach that he undertook to allow Deputies to see the report. Will the Taoiseach consider lodging the report with the library or making it available to Deputies who are interested?
I said at that time it would be made available to interested Deputies. I am still prepared to do that.
