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

I will answer the question put forward to me. Unfortunately, I was not able to pick up all the Deputy said in his introduction, as he well knows.

I am advised my Department has not received any allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour in the National Museum of Ireland, nor has any investigation of such allegations been undertaken. In April 2012, my predecessor was in receipt of correspondence relating to general staff issues at the National Museum of Ireland.

While it would not be appropriate for me to intervene directly in human resources, HR, issues, the Deputy should be aware that I and senior officials have had discussions with the chair of the museum on legacy staffing issues recently referred to in the media. On foot of these discussions, I have also been assured that steps are being taken to address the issues highlighted in the well-being survey, also recently highlighted in the media, which was commissioned by the museum to improve its working environment.

I am supportive of the chair and the new board, which I appointed in July 2016, in implementing change in the museum, as well as preparing new plans to improve the museum's services to the public over the coming years. I have offered to provide any additional support if required in dealing with these issues.

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