Vol. 441 No. 1
25 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the terms of reference of his recently announced review of national cultural bodies operating under the aegis of his Department; when the review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 25, 26, 44, 47, 52 and 54 on 15 December last in which I indicated my intention to establish a dynamic dialogue with the cultural institutions for which I am responsible.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the process of dialogue and consultation is now well under way, but that there are no terms of reference attaching to it. On 15 February last, I met with the chairperson and directors of An Chomhairle Ealaíon, the National Concert Hall, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Abbey Theatre. The meeting provided all concerned with the opportunity to have a full and frank discussion on my proposals. I indicated to the representatives of the institutions that I looked forward to obtaining their detailed views on my proposals after they had an opportunity to discuss the matter with their full boards, and that I was open to considering any alternative proposals which they might wish to make in the matter. I hope that the boards concerned will be in a position to let me have their views very soon.
