Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am taking this question on behalf of Deputy Ellis. The Minister made deep and very damaging budget cuts under several headings in the Department. My question is asked on the basis that, where there are reductions in expenditure, cuts to front line and key services would be avoided as best as possible and that, where possible, such reductions in funding could be achieved through shared rather than reduced services. I mean that in a real way. Too often when this Government talks about shared services, one side or the other of an equation loses out.

I tabled a written question some time ago and the answer I received was less than satisfactory. It referred to Haddington Road, shared HR practice and to agreements between the key institutions on operational matters. A new approach to marketing strategy and a website portal would enhance the work of all these institutions and would, to a large extent, improve the web accessibility of the key institutions and museums. It could also save money for the marketing budget without necessarily cutting expenditure on exhibitions and research. Can the Minister tell us whether he will now engage with these organisations and discuss with them the benefits or drawbacks of such an approach?

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