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Wednesday, 6 Jun 2012

Priority Questions

National Cultural Institutions

Questions (1, 2, 3, 4)

Robert Troy

Question:

1Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has prepared any estimates of the cost savings from merging the National Library with the National Archives and the Manuscripts Commission; if the merger will have an impact on our cultural heritage; if he has examined the impact in other countries of similar moves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27114/12]

View answer

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

3Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if, in view of his commitment to commemorating significant events in Irish history, he will explain the rationale behind the proposal to merge National Library, National Archives and Manuscripts Commission; if he has considered that this proposal will seriously undermine, if not destroy, the cultural infrastructure here; and if he has taken into account the legislative implications surrounding this proposal. [27464/12]

View answer

Robert Troy

Question:

4Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the rationale behind the mergers of cultural institutions, particularly the National Galleries; his plans to protect the identity of each of these institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27335/12]

View answer

Sandra McLellan

Question:

5Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way he proposes to address public concern regarding the threatened undermining of the arms length principle in cultural decision making and funding across our national cultural institutions and Culture Ireland in view of his plans to abolish or amalgamate cultural institutions or absorb the functions into his Department. [27463/12]

View answer

Oral answers (12 contributions)

I propose to take Questions No. 1 and Nos. 3 to 5, inclusive, together.

As Deputies will be aware, the Government's public service reform plan which was published by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, on 17 November contains a number of actions in respect of my Department's remit. These include the amalgamation of the National Library, the National Archives and the Irish Manuscripts Commission; the combining of the National Gallery, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, IMMA, and the Crawford Gallery, while retaining separate identities; a critical review of Culture Ireland; a review of board structures at the National Library and the National Museum, and an examination of opportunities for shared services.

I underline the value I place on the role of the national cultural institutions which are the custodians of our arts and cultural heritage. They also have a key role in scholarship and national discourse. For this reason, €47.25 million was provided for our cultural institutions and bodies in the 2012 Estimates. The critical role the arts and culture play in attracting tourists to Ireland is also well recognised. Cultural tourism is a key element of Ireland's tourism industry and the national cultural institutions play a significant role in this respect. The institutions funded by my Department attracted more than 3 million visitors in 2011.

In the overall context of the public service reform agenda, one of my key concerns is to ensure all options are examined in order that the most appropriate implementation approach can be adopted for each institution. The artistic and curatorial autonomy of the cultural institutions is a major consideration in this regard. However, all of our cultural institutions are facing difficult challenges in the times ahead, particularly in terms of resources and funding. Given the difficult economic circumstances, there has been a considerable reduction in Exchequer funding in recent years and this is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. In this context, it is important that the institutions operate in the most efficient and effective way possible and are seen to provide value for money. Opportunities for sourcing alternative funding through philanthropy, commercial partnerships and other channels will also need to be sought proactively.

I see the reform process as offering all concerned a chance to take stock, assess how our institutions are equipped to deal with the challenges facing them and identify the best options to ensure their successful operation in the future. My Department has been examining the complex issues involved in the various reform proposals. This process has involved consultations with each of the institutions concerned. In addition, I have met the chairs of the various institutions involved in the process to afford them an opportunity to express their views on the actions included in the Government's public sector reform plan. My Department is also considering the various proposals made by the institutions. There can be little doubt, for example, that the sharing of services, in particular common back office services such as information technology, human resources, marketing and procurement, would lead to savings and efficiencies for the institutions. If managed properly by them, such a sharing of services could release resources to enhance front-line services to the public.

I cannot accept the proposition that examining reform possibilities amounts to an attack on the cultural infrastructure of the nation, as has been suggested by some. In fact, the idea that any organisation should be or consider itself to be above examination or review and possible reform is unhealthy and a recipe for a bad deal for the taxpayer who funds these institutions and the public whom they serve. Engagement between my Department and the cultural institutions on the spectrum of actions set out in the Government's public service reform plan is ongoing and I anticipate that I will be in a position to revert to the Government on these matters shortly.

I thank the Minister for his reply which highlights more concerns, rather than providing answers to these questions. There is deep anxiety within the arts sector about the proposed mergers of various cultural institutions, the absence of criteria for these reforms and, despite the Minister's remarks, the lack of consultation with stakeholders. In Fine Gael's pre-election document it promised that the discussion on the arts would be driven up the Government's agenda and that the arm's length principle would be respected. Is this latest development another in a long list of broken promises?

The cultural institutions are of systemic importance to our cultural heritage, identity, tourism industry and international reputation. Recently I attended a conference entitled, Culture and the Economy, which the Minister's colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Lucinda Creighton, addressed. She spoke about the importance of our cultural institutions in terms of Ireland's Presidency of the European Union at the beginning of next year. It is imperative that our cultural institutions retain their autonomy and independence. Will the Minister commit to leaving the independent boards in place, protecting their autonomy and ensuring qualified directors are left in place in the cultural institutions? Given their independent nature under the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997, will he confirm that the public service moratorium does not apply to cultural institutions? Will he ensure all future directorships in the cultural institutions will be advertised externally? It is a matter of concern that the position of CEO in Cultural Ireland is only being advertised internally which runs contrary to the Government's commitment in respect of job advertisements. Will the position be advertised externally?

The Minister referred to the importance of philanthropy in funding this critical sector. Does he agree that it would be much easier to attract philanthropists if the independent boards were left in place and the Government stuck to its pre-election promise and retained an arm's length policy, that is, separating cultural institutions from political interference?

Many of the issues raised by the Deputy will be considered when we make our final decision. My officials are engaged in consultations and will submit proposals to me in approximately two weeks. When the Government made the announcement, the Department immediately set up a reform unit, as well as a reform committee to which the unit would answer. An extensive process is ongoing. For example, there was consultation this morning. The information is available to everyone to show the process has taken place. The fundamental questions raised by the Deputy are being considered. The process is taking place but I cannot say today to what I can commit. Artistic and curatorial autonomy is a major consideration for me. The arm's length approach, evident in the Arts Council's dealings with other bodies, will be taken into consideration.

The National Archives and Culture Ireland are within my Department. There was a proposal to make Culture Ireland an independent body but in 2008 it was decided not to do this, and it is still part of the Department. The contract of the previous chief executive officer, who did a very good job, has expired and the job is now advertised. There are people working in Culture Ireland who do a good job and are well qualified for that position.

I thank Deputy Troy for raising these issues and I will certainly consider them. The overriding factor is that our national institutions, which are important from a cultural and economic point of view, are the custodians of our national treasures and must be protected for the future. They are looking after our heritage and culture for all our people. It is important that whatever is done in the future is done for the benefit of these institutions, and whatever actions will be taken will make them more effective to face future challenges.

Part of me is incredulous that the Minister has come up with this idea, because I know his commitment to the decade of commemorations and his chairing of that committee. I know his support for our cultural institutions and commemorating our history and I find it difficult to believe this proposal is coming from him. These are perfectly functioning institutions and he is treating them as if they were broken when they are not. They have been doing fantastic work since they were set up.

There are two areas where Ireland's reputation is superb, namely, our development aid budget and our arts and culture. Instead of this being a cultural discussion, it will be cultural domination. In 1974, there was an interdepartmental report on the idea of a merger and it came up again in 2008. The reasons given for not going ahead with it then are still valid today. The main reason was the disciplines involved are very distinct. The National Archives has a statutory function which means legislation will be required to deal with any possible merger. The Minister spoke about consultation but the impression I am getting from people in the arts is that there has been no meaningful consultation. Why consult if this is almost a done deal and ready to go to Cabinet?

Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan raised several pertinent issues which I will take on board. First, this was not my initiative as such. The Government's public sector reform plan announced on 17 November goes across all Departments and not just the arts. Several State agencies are being reviewed and not just those under my Department.

The National Archives, in which the Deputy has a particular interest, is within my Department and is functioning well. If the amalgamation went ahead with the National Library, the National Archives would be taken out of the Department. As nothing has been decided yet, it is not afait accompli. I will take a hard look at the proposals coming before me which will then have to go to Cabinet. Before any final decisions are made, their implications will be considered fully. I will have to accept them when they happen.

I am aware of the concerns about these agencies. I have a large number of friends working in these cultural institutions with whom I have worked for the past 30 years in various ways before the institutions got independent boards in 2005 and since then. I am aware of their needs and their future challenges, whether it is more space for archives, digitisation, the use of new technology, attracting funding from external sources or other issues. I would like if Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan discussed this matter with me further because she has a practical and balanced approach to issues.

I thank the Minister for his reply. As he is aware, the arts sector is extremely resourceful, creative, pragmatic and working well with other stakeholders to agree savings and efficiencies within the arts. However, there is significant public concern about the threatened undermining of the arm's length principle in cultural decision-making. Does the Minister accept the arm's length principle will be compromised if the proposal to merge several national institutions results in the demise of their individual boards? Will he get rid of the boards?

The principle of independence is vital for the protection of these institutions. I am glad the Minister has met with the chairs of the various organisations in question. How does he plan to address the widespread concerns about the lack of information, criteria and consultation in the changes of the status of the arts, culture, archive and museum bodies under his auspices? Culture Ireland has received great applause both here and internationally. What are his plans for its future? Will the position for chief executive officer be re-advertised? If so, will it be done internally or externally? Does he agree that if Culture Ireland does not remain independent its powers will become eroded?

The Deputy has asked many questions and I will try to answer as many as I can. My officials would not agree there has been a lack of consultation or information on amalgamations. There have been ongoing discussions about amalgamations for several years. The 2009 budget contained a decision to examine this matter. As Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan found out, there were consultations. These have been ongoing over the years. Now, with the Government's decision on public sector reform plan, there have been further consultations which are extensive and continuing. Any Deputy can put down a freedom of information request on these discussions.

As for the criteria, the Government directive was clear in this respect. It will be the best solution that will matter and the one which I will put to the Government.

Culture Ireland has been very effective since it was established in 2005. It was originally proposed that it would be a statutory agency but a decision was made against this in 2008. It has operated effectively within my Department. It is not an independent agency. It had a chief executive officer and an independent board, which was not statutory, which made decisions with the executive on grant applications. When I travelled to America with Culture Ireland, I witnessed its success in making significant connections. With the various artists who have been supported, there has been an attempt to repair the damaged image of Ireland in Manhattan and on Wall Street. It could be said the image of Ireland which Imagine Ireland has helped to create is very different from the example from four years ago. Culture Ireland, through Imagine Ireland, has helped in rehabilitating this image. I agree that Culture Ireland is very important and I am confident it will retain its dynamic nature and effectiveness. It will continue to support the arts community, as it has in the past eight years.

The head of Culture Ireland was very effective; he was an ambassador as much as he was chief executive officer and did a very fine job. Unfortunately, his contract came to an end and could not be renewed because of contractual arrangements established long before my time. The position of head of Culture Ireland has been advertised internally, not externally. I am convinced there are people with experience in the Culture Ireland executive who are adequately qualified to continue the work done by the previous chief executive officer.

We are over time, but I will allow those who have indicated to ask a supplementary question, with a single answer from the Minister.

Artistic autonomy is of importance to the Minister who should commit to ensuring the independent boards will remain in place. He has indicated that this was not his initiative, that it emanated from the public service reform programme, which I accept. It is, however, his responsibility to protect the arts sector and cultural institutions. I advise him to work with various stakeholders which are pragmatic and they will formulate ideas on where savings can be made and efficiencies achieved. The gallery institutions mentioned shared services to him and he should work along these lines. Will he outline a definite timeframe in order that the people concerned know exactly what the Government plans to do with the cultural institutions?

It is important to consider international examples which indicate amalgamations do not work. The process seemed to work in Canada, but there was major investment there. I am delighted to hear the Minister is not driving this process personally, which suggests he is willing to listen and take on board other suggestions. With regard to the director of Culture Ireland, it is vital to have the right person in place, as it is an important role. I hope we will not dismantle the Cultural Institutions Act 1997 which was driven by our new President.

The director of Culture Ireland is an important figure and the Minister has indicated the board is very effective. If something is not broken, we should not try to fix it. I hope the Minister will commit to keeping the board in place.

The board of Culture Ireland is up for critical review, as are the other agencies. I agree with Deputy Robert Troy about the galleries' submission; the three galleries came together in a positive way to present a good proposal which will be seriously considered and reviewed. I expect to receive the proposals in two weeks and will then go to the Cabinet. People will not be left to linger for a long time. I expect to have the decisions made as soon as possible. My officials considered the Canadian example, in which $16 million was required for an amalgamation. There are other examples also in which it was quite expensive. These are all considerations.

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Questions (1, 2, 3, 4)

Robert Troy

Question:

1Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has prepared any estimates of the cost savings from merging the National Library with the National Archives and the Manuscripts Commission; if the merger will have an impact on our cultural heritage; if he has examined the impact in other countries of similar moves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27114/12]

View answer

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

3Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if, in view of his commitment to commemorating significant events in Irish history, he will explain the rationale behind the proposal to merge National Library, National Archives and Manuscripts Commission; if he has considered that this proposal will seriously undermine, if not destroy, the cultural infrastructure here; and if he has taken into account the legislative implications surrounding this proposal. [27464/12]

View answer

Robert Troy

Question:

4Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the rationale behind the mergers of cultural institutions, particularly the National Galleries; his plans to protect the identity of each of these institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27335/12]

View answer

Sandra McLellan

Question:

5Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way he proposes to address public concern regarding the threatened undermining of the arms length principle in cultural decision making and funding across our national cultural institutions and Culture Ireland in view of his plans to abolish or amalgamate cultural institutions or absorb the functions into his Department. [27463/12]

View answer

Oral answers (12 contributions)

I propose to take Questions No. 1 and Nos. 3 to 5, inclusive, together.

As Deputies will be aware, the Government's public service reform plan which was published by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, on 17 November contains a number of actions in respect of my Department's remit. These include the amalgamation of the National Library, the National Archives and the Irish Manuscripts Commission; the combining of the National Gallery, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, IMMA, and the Crawford Gallery, while retaining separate identities; a critical review of Culture Ireland; a review of board structures at the National Library and the National Museum, and an examination of opportunities for shared services.

I underline the value I place on the role of the national cultural institutions which are the custodians of our arts and cultural heritage. They also have a key role in scholarship and national discourse. For this reason, €47.25 million was provided for our cultural institutions and bodies in the 2012 Estimates. The critical role the arts and culture play in attracting tourists to Ireland is also well recognised. Cultural tourism is a key element of Ireland's tourism industry and the national cultural institutions play a significant role in this respect. The institutions funded by my Department attracted more than 3 million visitors in 2011.

In the overall context of the public service reform agenda, one of my key concerns is to ensure all options are examined in order that the most appropriate implementation approach can be adopted for each institution. The artistic and curatorial autonomy of the cultural institutions is a major consideration in this regard. However, all of our cultural institutions are facing difficult challenges in the times ahead, particularly in terms of resources and funding. Given the difficult economic circumstances, there has been a considerable reduction in Exchequer funding in recent years and this is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. In this context, it is important that the institutions operate in the most efficient and effective way possible and are seen to provide value for money. Opportunities for sourcing alternative funding through philanthropy, commercial partnerships and other channels will also need to be sought proactively.

I see the reform process as offering all concerned a chance to take stock, assess how our institutions are equipped to deal with the challenges facing them and identify the best options to ensure their successful operation in the future. My Department has been examining the complex issues involved in the various reform proposals. This process has involved consultations with each of the institutions concerned. In addition, I have met the chairs of the various institutions involved in the process to afford them an opportunity to express their views on the actions included in the Government's public sector reform plan. My Department is also considering the various proposals made by the institutions. There can be little doubt, for example, that the sharing of services, in particular common back office services such as information technology, human resources, marketing and procurement, would lead to savings and efficiencies for the institutions. If managed properly by them, such a sharing of services could release resources to enhance front-line services to the public.

I cannot accept the proposition that examining reform possibilities amounts to an attack on the cultural infrastructure of the nation, as has been suggested by some. In fact, the idea that any organisation should be or consider itself to be above examination or review and possible reform is unhealthy and a recipe for a bad deal for the taxpayer who funds these institutions and the public whom they serve. Engagement between my Department and the cultural institutions on the spectrum of actions set out in the Government's public service reform plan is ongoing and I anticipate that I will be in a position to revert to the Government on these matters shortly.

I thank the Minister for his reply which highlights more concerns, rather than providing answers to these questions. There is deep anxiety within the arts sector about the proposed mergers of various cultural institutions, the absence of criteria for these reforms and, despite the Minister's remarks, the lack of consultation with stakeholders. In Fine Gael's pre-election document it promised that the discussion on the arts would be driven up the Government's agenda and that the arm's length principle would be respected. Is this latest development another in a long list of broken promises?

The cultural institutions are of systemic importance to our cultural heritage, identity, tourism industry and international reputation. Recently I attended a conference entitled, Culture and the Economy, which the Minister's colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Lucinda Creighton, addressed. She spoke about the importance of our cultural institutions in terms of Ireland's Presidency of the European Union at the beginning of next year. It is imperative that our cultural institutions retain their autonomy and independence. Will the Minister commit to leaving the independent boards in place, protecting their autonomy and ensuring qualified directors are left in place in the cultural institutions? Given their independent nature under the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997, will he confirm that the public service moratorium does not apply to cultural institutions? Will he ensure all future directorships in the cultural institutions will be advertised externally? It is a matter of concern that the position of CEO in Cultural Ireland is only being advertised internally which runs contrary to the Government's commitment in respect of job advertisements. Will the position be advertised externally?

The Minister referred to the importance of philanthropy in funding this critical sector. Does he agree that it would be much easier to attract philanthropists if the independent boards were left in place and the Government stuck to its pre-election promise and retained an arm's length policy, that is, separating cultural institutions from political interference?

Many of the issues raised by the Deputy will be considered when we make our final decision. My officials are engaged in consultations and will submit proposals to me in approximately two weeks. When the Government made the announcement, the Department immediately set up a reform unit, as well as a reform committee to which the unit would answer. An extensive process is ongoing. For example, there was consultation this morning. The information is available to everyone to show the process has taken place. The fundamental questions raised by the Deputy are being considered. The process is taking place but I cannot say today to what I can commit. Artistic and curatorial autonomy is a major consideration for me. The arm's length approach, evident in the Arts Council's dealings with other bodies, will be taken into consideration.

The National Archives and Culture Ireland are within my Department. There was a proposal to make Culture Ireland an independent body but in 2008 it was decided not to do this, and it is still part of the Department. The contract of the previous chief executive officer, who did a very good job, has expired and the job is now advertised. There are people working in Culture Ireland who do a good job and are well qualified for that position.

I thank Deputy Troy for raising these issues and I will certainly consider them. The overriding factor is that our national institutions, which are important from a cultural and economic point of view, are the custodians of our national treasures and must be protected for the future. They are looking after our heritage and culture for all our people. It is important that whatever is done in the future is done for the benefit of these institutions, and whatever actions will be taken will make them more effective to face future challenges.

Part of me is incredulous that the Minister has come up with this idea, because I know his commitment to the decade of commemorations and his chairing of that committee. I know his support for our cultural institutions and commemorating our history and I find it difficult to believe this proposal is coming from him. These are perfectly functioning institutions and he is treating them as if they were broken when they are not. They have been doing fantastic work since they were set up.

There are two areas where Ireland's reputation is superb, namely, our development aid budget and our arts and culture. Instead of this being a cultural discussion, it will be cultural domination. In 1974, there was an interdepartmental report on the idea of a merger and it came up again in 2008. The reasons given for not going ahead with it then are still valid today. The main reason was the disciplines involved are very distinct. The National Archives has a statutory function which means legislation will be required to deal with any possible merger. The Minister spoke about consultation but the impression I am getting from people in the arts is that there has been no meaningful consultation. Why consult if this is almost a done deal and ready to go to Cabinet?

Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan raised several pertinent issues which I will take on board. First, this was not my initiative as such. The Government's public sector reform plan announced on 17 November goes across all Departments and not just the arts. Several State agencies are being reviewed and not just those under my Department.

The National Archives, in which the Deputy has a particular interest, is within my Department and is functioning well. If the amalgamation went ahead with the National Library, the National Archives would be taken out of the Department. As nothing has been decided yet, it is not afait accompli. I will take a hard look at the proposals coming before me which will then have to go to Cabinet. Before any final decisions are made, their implications will be considered fully. I will have to accept them when they happen.

I am aware of the concerns about these agencies. I have a large number of friends working in these cultural institutions with whom I have worked for the past 30 years in various ways before the institutions got independent boards in 2005 and since then. I am aware of their needs and their future challenges, whether it is more space for archives, digitisation, the use of new technology, attracting funding from external sources or other issues. I would like if Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan discussed this matter with me further because she has a practical and balanced approach to issues.

I thank the Minister for his reply. As he is aware, the arts sector is extremely resourceful, creative, pragmatic and working well with other stakeholders to agree savings and efficiencies within the arts. However, there is significant public concern about the threatened undermining of the arm's length principle in cultural decision-making. Does the Minister accept the arm's length principle will be compromised if the proposal to merge several national institutions results in the demise of their individual boards? Will he get rid of the boards?

The principle of independence is vital for the protection of these institutions. I am glad the Minister has met with the chairs of the various organisations in question. How does he plan to address the widespread concerns about the lack of information, criteria and consultation in the changes of the status of the arts, culture, archive and museum bodies under his auspices? Culture Ireland has received great applause both here and internationally. What are his plans for its future? Will the position for chief executive officer be re-advertised? If so, will it be done internally or externally? Does he agree that if Culture Ireland does not remain independent its powers will become eroded?

The Deputy has asked many questions and I will try to answer as many as I can. My officials would not agree there has been a lack of consultation or information on amalgamations. There have been ongoing discussions about amalgamations for several years. The 2009 budget contained a decision to examine this matter. As Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan found out, there were consultations. These have been ongoing over the years. Now, with the Government's decision on public sector reform plan, there have been further consultations which are extensive and continuing. Any Deputy can put down a freedom of information request on these discussions.

As for the criteria, the Government directive was clear in this respect. It will be the best solution that will matter and the one which I will put to the Government.

Culture Ireland has been very effective since it was established in 2005. It was originally proposed that it would be a statutory agency but a decision was made against this in 2008. It has operated effectively within my Department. It is not an independent agency. It had a chief executive officer and an independent board, which was not statutory, which made decisions with the executive on grant applications. When I travelled to America with Culture Ireland, I witnessed its success in making significant connections. With the various artists who have been supported, there has been an attempt to repair the damaged image of Ireland in Manhattan and on Wall Street. It could be said the image of Ireland which Imagine Ireland has helped to create is very different from the example from four years ago. Culture Ireland, through Imagine Ireland, has helped in rehabilitating this image. I agree that Culture Ireland is very important and I am confident it will retain its dynamic nature and effectiveness. It will continue to support the arts community, as it has in the past eight years.

The head of Culture Ireland was very effective; he was an ambassador as much as he was chief executive officer and did a very fine job. Unfortunately, his contract came to an end and could not be renewed because of contractual arrangements established long before my time. The position of head of Culture Ireland has been advertised internally, not externally. I am convinced there are people with experience in the Culture Ireland executive who are adequately qualified to continue the work done by the previous chief executive officer.

We are over time, but I will allow those who have indicated to ask a supplementary question, with a single answer from the Minister.

Artistic autonomy is of importance to the Minister who should commit to ensuring the independent boards will remain in place. He has indicated that this was not his initiative, that it emanated from the public service reform programme, which I accept. It is, however, his responsibility to protect the arts sector and cultural institutions. I advise him to work with various stakeholders which are pragmatic and they will formulate ideas on where savings can be made and efficiencies achieved. The gallery institutions mentioned shared services to him and he should work along these lines. Will he outline a definite timeframe in order that the people concerned know exactly what the Government plans to do with the cultural institutions?

It is important to consider international examples which indicate amalgamations do not work. The process seemed to work in Canada, but there was major investment there. I am delighted to hear the Minister is not driving this process personally, which suggests he is willing to listen and take on board other suggestions. With regard to the director of Culture Ireland, it is vital to have the right person in place, as it is an important role. I hope we will not dismantle the Cultural Institutions Act 1997 which was driven by our new President.

The director of Culture Ireland is an important figure and the Minister has indicated the board is very effective. If something is not broken, we should not try to fix it. I hope the Minister will commit to keeping the board in place.

The board of Culture Ireland is up for critical review, as are the other agencies. I agree with Deputy Robert Troy about the galleries' submission; the three galleries came together in a positive way to present a good proposal which will be seriously considered and reviewed. I expect to receive the proposals in two weeks and will then go to the Cabinet. People will not be left to linger for a long time. I expect to have the decisions made as soon as possible. My officials considered the Canadian example, in which $16 million was required for an amalgamation. There are other examples also in which it was quite expensive. These are all considerations.

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