Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State has acknowledged the National Archives model is working well. The key issue is that this is an arm's-length model, under which the body has the freedom to act on its own behalf. That freedom has paid dividends by allowing the National Archives to make direct approaches to funders.

I have no difficulty with the sharing of resources and believe this makes sense. However, the independence or arm's-length distance of our cultural institutions from the Government is of benefit. I have no problem with reform, but when it will not produce a positive result or saving but will damage cultural institutions, it is only right that we ask questions about it. Michael Ryan has published an excellent opinion piece in The Irish Times today which makes the argument very well.

See this speech in context