Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - National Gallery.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

294 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the complaints which have been put in the public media by members of the public regarding sections of the National Gallery at Merrion Square, Dublin 2, being closed due to staff shortages; if this matter has been raised by the board and administration of the gallery with her Department; if she has sought to obtain additional staff on a temporary or permanent basis from the Department of Finance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12755/99]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I am aware of occasional comments to the effect that the resources for the National Gallery are not sufficient. The most recent refurbishment of the gallery gave rise to a need for additional attendant staff and such staff was appointed. As a result the gallery now has a complement of attendant staff which allows for all of the rooms to be open to the public in the normal course of events. However, due to staff absences from time to time, occasionally rooms have to be closed on a temporary basis.

My Department has ongoing consultation with the management of the gallery concerning the overall staffing situation and the Deputy will appreciate that many of our national cultural institutions, including the National Gallery, have suffered historically from a lower level of resources than I would wish to see provided. I am constantly working to improve the situation in all our national cultural institutions.