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National Orchestras

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 November 2018

Wednesday, 21 November 2018

Questions (264, 265, 266)

Catherine Martin

Question:

264. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made on bringing the National Symphony Orchestra within the remit of the National Concert Hall as per the statement of 5 July 2018; the timeline for completion of this transition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48546/18]

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Catherine Martin

Question:

265. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has met with the musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra to discuss it coming under the aegis of the National Concert Hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48547/18]

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Catherine Martin

Question:

266. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to consult the musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra in relation to her announcement on 5 July 2018 that they would be brought under the aegis of the National Concert Hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48548/18]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 to 266, inclusive, together.

Following the publication of the report by RTÉ that it commissioned from independent consultants Helen Boaden and Mediatique on the RTÉ Orchestras entitled RTÉ Orchestras Ensuring a Sustainable Future, the Government  agreed in principle that the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra (RTÉ NSO) should come within the remit of the National Concert Hall (NCH). The Government  also authorised the initiation of discussions on the implementation of the recommendations of the report. 

The overall aim of the Government decision in relation to the proposed transfer of the RTÉ NSO is to enable the orchestra to be established as a world class orchestra which would, with the NCH, provide a creative and imaginative programme strategy that would greatly enhance the offering of the combined organisation to the public.

In addition, the Government’s Creative Ireland programme commits to a range of important initiatives to support culture and creativity in Ireland, and the Department's 10 year National Development Plan, envisages major capital investment in our National Cultural Institutions, including a major re-development of the National Concert Hall. The National Concert Hall since it opened its doors in 1981 has been the home of the National Symphony Orchestra which provides the backbone to the Hall’s orchestral music programme. There is now an opportunity for the NSO to play an even stronger role as part of these wider developments and this should greatly enhance the offering of both organisations to the public.

An Oversight Group has been established with formal terms of reference, with a view to identifying and addressing the relevant issues to enable the successful transfer of the NSO from the remit of RTÉ to the remit of the NCH. The group has already met on two occasions.  The group has agreed that a specific Engagement & Communication process will be put in place to provide relevant, timely information and engagement opportunities for all key stakeholders including the members of the NSO, in advance of and during this transition from RTE to NCH. 

In addition, a Working Group, as a subset of the oversight group, has been tasked with examining the detailed issues involved in the proposed transfer of the orchestra.

At this point, it is considered that 2020 would be the earliest date for the completion of the proposed transfer.

My Department welcomes the opportunity to work with all stakeholders including the members of the  RTÉ NSO to ensure that it can contribute to Ireland’s rich cultural heritage to the fullest extent possible.

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