Vol. 411 No. 7
1 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the relationship of the Chester Beatty Library with his Department as evident in the manner in which new trustees were recently appointed and having regard to the funds given to the library from State resources, he intends to introduce legislation to put the library on an accountable statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am monitoring carefully the manner in which the trustees are managing the Chester Beatty Library with the moneys provided by my Department and the Office of Public Works. As I indicated to the House last week, I hope that matters will now proceed more satisfactorily.
The question of legislation, therefore, does not arise but the continued Exchequer funding could, if necessary, be made subject to stated requirements which it would be reasonable to expect to be observed.
Could the Taoiseach indicate how his Department are carefully monitoring the operations of this library given that last week in the House it was with surprise he learned of the appointment of Dr. Masterson and Mr. Desmond as trustees of the board of the library? Surely, that indicates that the monitoring mechanisms in his Department are woefully deficient and that legislation is, therefore, necessary.
I would not agree. The trustees had the right to co-opt new trustees. My Department and I were not aware that they proposed to appoint two new trustees but when I talk about monitoring I am talking about the general management of the library and all questions of administration. The co-option of two trustees by the board of trustees would not normally come within the definition of "monitoring".
It is only because the Chester Beatty Library is of such immense significance that I am pressing this question today, I accept there are other matters of concern. Would the Taoiseach not finally accept and can a message not to be sent to the people in Shrewsbury Road that their stewardship of these possessions, which belong to the Irish nation, is woefully deficient despite the best efforts of his Department? Would he not reconsider——
We must proceed by way of supplementary question.
——the reply he has given not to introduce legislation to end this mess once and for all?
I have told the Deputy that as a result of continuing discussions which have been going on now for a period, I hope that a new director will be appointed and that the entire administration and management of the library will greatly improve. I suggested here the last day that the Deputy — and Deputies generally — should give the new arrangements an opportunity to work.
May I ask the Taoiseach when a serving civil servant of his Department is to take office as a member of the board of trustees, or if that is the case?
He is not a normal civil servant in my Department; he comes from one of the cultural institutions within the ambit of my Department and he is a very skilled professional person. I am not sure exactly when he will take up the appointment as director, but I understand it is imminent.
Will that officer have any reporting relationship to the Taoiseach's Department in regard to business transacted at meetings of the trustees?
Not directly, but as I told the House my Department are now very carefully monitoring all aspects of management and administration. That will continue.
