Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

When I saw this question, I asked what the opening hours were. Our national institutions are open for considerable periods, although the opening hours could be improved. The National Gallery of Ireland is open from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 5.30 p.m. on Sunday. The Irish Museum of Modern Art is open from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The National Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Chester Beatty Library is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. The Crawford Art Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and closed on Sunday.

I looked for the figures for costs, such as for the IMMA. If it had to open for an extra hour each evening, it would cost €250,000 per year. There is a cost involved, but there are many tourists and visitors and people who wish to conduct research or visit the institutions at night who must be considered. The Government made a commitment in respect of the reviews taking place and we hope to show outcomes, whereby opening hours will be extended, especially during peak season.

See this speech in context