Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Minister is expressing concern. I want her to clarify who has been appointed today. The question I asked, further to previous questions, was how much money has been given to date. The Minister referred to €250,000 at a particular time. The concerns did not arise today or yesterday but have been ongoing for some time. Serious questions arise concerning the manner of the exit of a number of key personnel and whether money was involved in exit packages.

It is not my job today to discuss the content. It is my job to ask questions about robust management structures, which the Minister has not answered. We know from the debacle of the Pálás Cinema that there was a lack of governance and management by the Department. A post-project review is planned for that in the coming year. Lessons have apparently been learned and more will be learned. What has delayed the performance delivery agreement? It was due immediately after I last questioned the Minister, which was some time ago. Why has the agreement not been signed? Who has been appointed today? What is the position regarding the Irish language officer? These are simple, practical questions which will help to instil confidence. I would appreciate if the Minister could answer them.

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