Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Tourism; Culture and Sport the date on which he will commence a review of the opening times of our cultural institutions; and the date which this review will be published. [10619/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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While my Department provides funding for the national cultural institutions, the board of each institution is responsible for all operational matters relating to the institution, including opening hours. I do not have a statutory function in day-to-day operational matters. All of the institutions will be required to carry out a formal review of their opening hours in accordance with the commitment given in the programme for Government. I am aware that opening hours are a matter which is routinely kept under review by all of the institutions and the fact that they are now operating in a much changed financial situation and with reduced Exchequer resources will potentially impinge on the outcome of all such reviews. My Department will continue to actively promote and encourage additional public access to the collections held by our national cultural institutions within current budgetary constraints, pending the outcome of the reviews.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Given our economic circumstances and improved access to Ireland by air and sea, we must create a cultural hub. To do so, we must ensure our national cultural institutions are user-friendly. When will the reviews be completed and the recommendations implemented? Does the Minister agree the review of opening hours could include an audit and a user satisfaction survey to determine appropriate opening hours?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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When I saw this question, I asked what the opening hours were. Our national institutions are open for considerable periods, although the opening hours could be improved. The National Gallery of Ireland is open from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 5.30 p.m. on Sunday. The Irish Museum of Modern Art is open from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The National Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Chester Beatty Library is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. The Crawford Art Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and closed on Sunday.

I looked for the figures for costs, such as for the IMMA. If it had to open for an extra hour each evening, it would cost €250,000 per year. There is a cost involved, but there are many tourists and visitors and people who wish to conduct research or visit the institutions at night who must be considered. The Government made a commitment in respect of the reviews taking place and we hope to show outcomes, whereby opening hours will be extended, especially during peak season.