Vol. 417 No. 5
13 Mr. McCartan asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the recommendation contained in the Report of the Board of Visitors of the National Museum for 1989, he will consider the establishment of a comprehensive board for the museum which would have responsibility for administering its own annual budget and financial grant, create policy and implement plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The creation of a statutory governing body for the national Museum, such as is implied by the Deputy's question, would necessitate detailed consultation with the director and staff of the National Museum, their board of visitors, as well as bodies such as the Royal Dublin Society and the Royal Irish Academy which have a long established relationship with the Museum's Board of Visitors. I intend to initiate the necessary consultations in the very near future but it would be premature to speculate at this stage as to the possible outcome of those negotiations. On my analysis of the current situation in relation to the National Museum, I have sympathy and understanding for the Deputy's position on this matter.
I thank the Minister of State for his positive response. He will note I am not seeking any hard information. However, would the Minister of State accept that the question is taking up the only specific recommendation in the 1989 report of the board of directors that such an independent board should be established. Would the Minister of State accept that many of the administrative difficulties and the development of the National Museum as a national institution would be overcome if departmental answerability was removed and if an independent board, as is the norm for these institutions, was established to oversee the proper development with budgetary support from Government for such an important institution?
I understand and have much sympathy with the points made by the Deputy. It would only be prudent of me to consult with the director and all bodies and groups associated with the museum. The Deputy has pointed out that in, for example, the Museum for Modern Art the board, which has appointed a director, have an annual grant and, autonomy within their own jurisdiction. The correct approach for me is to examine this case closely and to consult with all those involved. I would ask the Deputy to accept that that is as positive as I can be.
Question No. 14, please. I was hoping to dispose of questions to An Taoieach before proceeding to Priority Questions at 3.30 p.m.
