‘Gaisce is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth appoints members to the Council of Gaisce. Two members of the Council are nominated by the Office of the President and one by the Office of An Taoiseach. Other members, such as those appointed to recent vacancies on the Council, may be recruited through the Public Appointments Service and in line with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company.
Funding for Gaisce is included in my Department’s Vote. Officials meet with the Chair and CEO of Gaisce twice-yearly on general governance matters. In 2021 due to Covid 19 restrictions, my officials requested Gaisce to provide specified written material in lieu of an in-person meeting. Like other organisations in receipt of funding from the Department, Gaisce submits progress reports as part of an annual reporting requirement, which considers declared progress against their funding application, and a declaration on ICT in line with DPER requirements.
As provided for in Gaisce’s Articles of Association, I was made aware of the HR issues referred to by the Deputy. However, these are a matter for the organisation and its Board to address. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on any ongoing HR issues. With regard to legal fees, this is also a matter for the organisation.
