Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made in the appointment of a new director of the National Museum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41806/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that my Department has recently received approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to fill the post of director of the National Museum of Ireland and this news has been communicated to the chair of the National Museum of Ireland.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Fianna Fáil certainly welcomes that announcement. Is there a timescale for that process? Obviously, leadership of such institutions is vital, not least at a time of phenomenal change as advocated by the Minister.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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It goes through the normal process. Over the past 16 months, I have appointed new directors of the Arts Council and the Irish Museum of Modern Art, as well as directors of the National Concert Hall and National Gallery of Ireland. Overall, I have appointed a large number of directors, all of whom are new, very energetic people who bring a lot of new ideas into the national cultural institutions. This is the reason they are thriving and doing very well at present. A range of new approaches is being adopted that will enhance further the national cultural institutions and I hope the new director of the National Museum will be appointed as soon as possible to work with the other directors in promoting collectively the national cultural institutions, which are a huge asset to the country.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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It would be remiss of Members to mention this particular matter without referring to the work done over an extended period by Dr. Patrick Wallace. I imagine the Minister would wish to join me in paying tribute to him for his distinguished service to the museum and the State.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Absolutely. I might add that Dr. Pat Wallace and I have been personal friends for many years, probably for the past 30 years or more. While he has been a major loss to the museum, I am delighted his book on Wood Quay will be published shortly. Obviously, he took the incentive to retire from the job earlier than was necessary but I am delighted it probably has given him more time to finish that important book on Wood Quay. Everyone is looking forward to that, especially-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Will the Minister launch it for him?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I hope so. However, it will be especially welcome, given that 2014 also will mark the millennium of the Battle of Clontarf.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I join in the tributes to Dr. Pat Wallace. In a related question, I note there have been requests from some cultural institutions for funding for upkeep of and improvements to their buildings. Has the Minister had time to respond to those requests?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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This will depend on what budget the Department will have. I note huge improvements were made over the previous ten years but, unfortunately, as is evident in the Estimates, there has been a dramatic reduction since 2008 in the funding made available to the national cultural institutions. However, I am very much aware of the importance of providing funding for improvements. There may be different ways of approaching this question but I will do my utmost, within the tight budgetary constraints in which the entire Government must operate next year, to ensure the national cultural institutions will not be neglected. In addition, I intend to examine other ways of trying to encourage funding for the institutions. I will refer to this point later during my contribution to the statements on philanthropy.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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And the Abbey Theatre?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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We are making progress.