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

Heads of legislation were prepared. It also proposed to merge the National Archives with the National Library. I certainly did not go ahead with that proposal.

I listened to Members in the House and it came across strongly that people were very happy with the National Archives, the way it is governed and run and its independence. I listened to people and I adopted that same governance model for the National Library and the National Museum. In addition, I will ensure there is curatorial independence in the legislation I am bringing in, which we will all get a chance to discuss, and that this independence will be strengthened. At this time, the director of the National Archives would no doubt accept she has total independence in her job. All the director gets from my Department is co-operation and help. I certainly think this will work in the case of the National Library and the National Museum.

The Deputy referred to Culture Ireland. The new Culture Ireland has now been nominated and set up, and it actually had its first meeting yesterday. There is no change. It will still be at arm's length from me and the Department, and while it is chaired by an independent chairperson, it is more inclusive. For example, it includes the IDA, Tourism Ireland and other State agencies in order that we can maximise the opportunity to send people abroad to perform, supported by the taxpayer. I am convinced it will work.

I appeal to people to give this proposal a chance. We are looking for change. When this Government took office, we were going to be a Government for change. We have looked at many State institutions and we have proposed a lot of rationalisation, which will be applied. Apart from the National Library and the National Museum, the other cultural institutions were left as they were. They will be sharing resources, and I thank the Deputy for supporting that, but it was very much a minimalist approach.

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