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National Orchestras

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019

Tuesday, 15 January 2019

Ceisteanna (1222)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

1222. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the oversight group and working group that have been established to address issues in the transfer of the National Symphony Orchestra from the remit of RTÉ to the remit of the National Concert Hall have orchestra musicians and workers represented in both groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1570/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The overall aim of the Government decision in relation to the proposed transfer of the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra (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.

An Oversight Group and Working Group have been established with formal terms of reference, with a view to identifying and addressing the relevant issues to be addressed to enable the successful transfer of the NSO from the remit of RTÉ to the remit of the NCH.

The terms of reference of the Oversight Group provide that the Group will be chaired by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and will be made up of representatives from:

- Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

- Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

- RTÉ

- National Concert Hall

The terms of reference of the Working Group provide that the membership of the Group may vary depending on the nature of the issue being discussed and that the Working Group will report to the Oversight Group.

The Oversight Group has already met on a number of occasions and has agreed that it is very important that there should be a proper communication process between the Oversight and Working Group and representatives, members and support staff of the NSO to ensure that the orchestra is informed on a timely basis about all aspects of the proposed transfer process. In this regard, it is intended that a meeting will be arranged shortly between the Working Group and Union representatives of the NSO.

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