Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

Artistic autonomy is of importance to the Minister who should commit to ensuring the independent boards will remain in place. He has indicated that this was not his initiative, that it emanated from the public service reform programme, which I accept. It is, however, his responsibility to protect the arts sector and cultural institutions. I advise him to work with various stakeholders which are pragmatic and they will formulate ideas on where savings can be made and efficiencies achieved. The gallery institutions mentioned shared services to him and he should work along these lines. Will he outline a definite timeframe in order that the people concerned know exactly what the Government plans to do with the cultural institutions?

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