Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Minister is well aware of the fact there has been near-universal rejection of this proposal by stakeholders in both institutions. Surely the views of those working in this area should be taken into account. Professor Diarmaid Ferriter and Dr. Pat Wallace have said it is a mistake, and Dr. John O'Mahony, the chairman of the board of the National Museum, has called it cultural cannibalism. People are under the impression that it is a bit of a Civil Service coup to deprive these institutions of their independence and autonomy.

With regard to the notion that we will save €1 million in costs, as other Deputies have said, the Minister himself does not even seem convinced that it might save that amount. I see that one of the reasons given for the move was that the State might be better at securing philanthropic investment. I would suggest that if the State can tap into philanthropic money, we should do so and use loads of it to help the vulnerable. However, I believe we should leave the arts to those who are best qualified. It is very important that their independence and autonomy is retained.

I do not know if the Minister has sat down with these people. I plead with him to reconsider the matter and to sit down with all stakeholders. Surely their views matter.

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