Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have listened to the Deputy's concerns on this issue. Amendment No. 3 purports to link section 8, which deals with the independence of the National Concert Hall, with the statement of strategy provision in section 16. I take the view that section 8 is a strong and clear statement of the independence of the National Concert Hall. This is an important statement of principle for any cultural institution. Indeed, this provision came about because of concerns that had been expressed to the effect that the Bill was not sufficiently clear on this important point. I think the section should stand as it is currently and is best left unchanged. Therefore, I cannot accept the Deputy's amendment.

I do not consider that amendment No. 4 is necessary because I believe the principle of the independence of the national cultural institutions should be maintained. The statement of strategy will be a matter for the board, which is responsible for managing the institution and directing its operations. I do not want to impinge on the independence of the National Concert Hall, or any of the national cultural institutions, when it comes to artistic matters. The artistic programming will be an integral part of the statement of strategy. I want to strike the right balance between artistic independence and accountability to the taxpayer. I went back and had a look at the recommendations that were made by the joint committee. It came through very strongly in those recommendations that the joint committee agreed that for the avoidance of doubt, the arm's length principle with regard to artistic programming should be enshrined in this Bill.

Regarding head 9 of the Bill, the joint committee also agreed that for the avoidance of doubt, the arm's-length principle with regard to artistic programming should be enshrined in the Bill. I am happy with section 8, which deals with the independence of the National Concert Hall and states, "The NCH shall be independent in the exercise of its functions subject to such general policy guidelines as may be issued by the Minister to all national cultural institutions from time to time.". I am satisfied that the National Concert Hall will have to comply with policy as set down by the Minister but I want it to be independent in its artistic programming. I am happy that we still have sufficient control which is my reason for not accepting the Deputy's amendment.

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