Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

Having gotten rid of other bodies while serving in previous Departments, I genuinely believe that the agencies attached to the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports are best served for supporting areas such as international and national marketing. The fact that Tourism Ireland is a North-South body should also be considered. The Arts Council is not only able to allocate grants, but it also enjoys a direct relationship with cultural and arts groups all over the country. The same can be said for the Sports Council.

In regard to staffing levels in my Department, 44 staff work in the National Archives, which has a specific remit. Given that type of allocation, the Deputy can see where the rest of the work is done.

See this speech in context