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

I have listened to the Deputy's concerns on this issue but I believe his amendment is unnecessary. This section is a standard one which reflects the approach across the public service. Following the ending of the public service moratorium on recruitment, staffing matters at the National Concert Hall can now be dealt with between it and the Department under a new delegated sanction arrangement.

This provides sufficient flexibility for the concert hall in regard to staffing. The subsection does not require amendment because it is a standard provision that applies to all public servants, and public servants make up the majority of staff at the National Concert Hall. The Department can deal with staffing issues at the National Concert Hall without interference from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

The strategy statement relates primarily to artistic programming and, as I made clear, I intend to allow the National Concert Hall to operate independently in that area. Funding for staffing and so forth is provided in line with public service staff agreements. If the board wishes, it may hire temporary or casual staff, which may be appropriate for the staging of events. It may also determine the level of payment for such casual staff, as they are not public servants. While I cannot accept the amendment, it should be noted that we were able to reach a compromise on a previous amendment tabled by the Deputy.

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