John Browne
Question:1 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Taoiseach if he will introduce legislation to allow the George Bernard Shaw Fund to be used as originally planned for the arts in Carlow.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - George Bernard Shaw Fund.
I understand the question to refer to certain gifts made by George Bernard Shaw during his lifetime to Carlow Urban District Council. Carlow Urban District Council have sought legal advice on their freedom to disburse these funds for the benefit of the arts in Carlow. Legislation was already enacted in 1945 to enable gifts such as these from Mr. Shaw to be accepted and disbursed by local authorities. The need for further legislation is not, therefore, established.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): The difficulty is that when the arts Act of 1973 was passed it allowed rates to be used to help the arts, and George Bernard Shaw in his will specifically stated that he did not want any help to be given where rates were involved. It looks as if Carlow County Council cannot disburse this money because they feel they are in conflict with the 1973 Act. It appears to me that amending legislation is required.
I do not think the Deputy is correct. My advice is that amending legislation is not necessary. I understand that Carlow UDC have sought legal advice on the matter and I would like to suggest that I keep in touch with the Deputy to see if we can have it all straightened out. Neither of us would wish to have the wishes of the late George Bernard Shaw subverted in any way, I am sure.