Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
1614. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent of funding for museums (details supplied); and her plans to take over the running and financing of another museum. [19373/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the first museum to which the Deputy refers, my Department provided funding of €10,000 in respect of an exhibition in 2018. The Deputy may also be aware that my colleague, Deputy Ciarán Cannon, Minister of State for Diaspora and International Development, previously announced funding of $100,000 to this museum in 2017.
With regard to the second museum to which the Deputy refers my Department has provided total assistance of €47,300 to that Museum since 2010, mostly through specific allocations arising from applications under the Regional Museum Capital schemes. These schemes provide support for local, regional and specialised museums, to promote and enhance these institutions through the provision of funding for capital costs. The museum in question currently has an application for funding with the Department under the Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme 2019, which closed on the 19th April 2019. The assessment of the applications will take place in the coming weeks and are carried out on a competitive basis. All applicants will be notified shortly afterwards in relation to the decision regarding their respective projects.
My Department has had no direct approach with respect to taking over the running and financing of the museum in question. Typically, my Department provides funding to assist local, regional and specialised museums throughout Ireland, but they remain independent in their operation, subject to appropriate governance and oversight.
