Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 136 together.

Primary legislation will be required to give effect to the Government decision to combine the three galleries referred to, while retaining the separate brand identities and niches of the Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery.

As I stated in my reply to Questions Nos. 76, 77 and 84 of 19 November 2008, the corporate, legislative and accommodation positions of each of the institutions is being examined with a view to the drawing up of a plan of action to give effect to the Government decision. My Department is also investigating the functional and logistical requirements of each institution and the adjustments that will be required. The challenges are detailed and multifaceted and it would be premature at this point to give definite dates.

A consultative process with the directors of the institutions referred to above is under way under various headings, including governance, shared management structures, unified support services and resources.

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