Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2015
144. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the current relationship between the Lincoln Centre and the National Concert Hall; the total budget spent by the National Concert Hall from 2011 to date in 2015; the money accrued from that relationship to the National Concert Hall from 2011 to date in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3996/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra145. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the conflicting legal advice received by the board of the National Concert Hall with regard to its relationship with the Lincoln Centre and the NCH's fundraising activities; the reason the Attorney General was asked to advise the NCH Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3997/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.
My Department provides funding to the National Cultural Institutions, including the National Concert Hall (NCH). However, the board of the NCH is responsible for all operational matters, including fundraising, and I have no direct function in these matters. In this regard, I understand that the board decided not to proceed with the proposed arrangement between the Lincoln Centre and the NCH in 2013.
However, in order to address general queries being raised at that time, my Department sought advice from the Office of the Attorney General on the issue of the establishment by the NCH of a fundraising foundation. The outcome of that advice was subsequently communicated to the board.
It is my intention that the proposed Bill to place the NCH on a statutory footing will clarify the legal position regarding fundraising activities.
