Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the statement in the report submitted to him by IMPACT on the proposed merger of the National Archives and the National Library which described the proposition as not compelling; if he will make available a copy of this report; his views on whether the proposed merger will have a detrimental effect on the capability of our national cultural institutions to facilitate genealogical tourism; if he has factored in the loss of tourism revenue in his cost-benefit analysis on the proposed merger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52865/12]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the public service reform plan published by the Government on 17 November 2011 outlined a series of rationalisation measures and some of those measures related to a certain number of the bodies funded from my Department's Vote group. In this regard, my Department conducted a critical examination of the structure and operation of the institutions included in the public service reform plan and developed a comprehensive and practical approach to the implementation of the various Government decisions in this area, which was endorsed by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. A progress report on the implementation of these measures was recently submitted to and approved by Government. Summary documents outlining the main outcomes of this examination with regard to the relevant bodies and institutions have been published on my Department's website at . As is clear from those documents, it is not proposed to go ahead with the merger of the National Library and the National Archives.

I am sure the Deputy will agree that the National Archives is working well. It is headed by a statutorily independent director, is advised by an advisory council that serves pro bono, and has proved successful at raising funds and sponsorship from private sources to further its work. The Government, on the recommendation of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has recognised that the model is working well.

In response to a freedom of information request, the IMPACT report referred to by the Deputy has been released. I will arrange for a copy to be sent to the Deputy.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State has acknowledged the National Archives model is working well. The key issue is that this is an arm's-length model, under which the body has the freedom to act on its own behalf. That freedom has paid dividends by allowing the National Archives to make direct approaches to funders.

I have no difficulty with the sharing of resources and believe this makes sense. However, the independence or arm's-length distance of our cultural institutions from the Government is of benefit. I have no problem with reform, but when it will not produce a positive result or saving but will damage cultural institutions, it is only right that we ask questions about it. Michael Ryan has published an excellent opinion piece in The Irish Times today which makes the argument very well.

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Murphy that the National Archives is currently functioning well. It has its own independent director and advisory council, serving pro bono. As the Deputy has pointed out, it also has the freedom and ability to go out and raise funds and seek sponsorship and income and is not dependent on the Exchequer. That is a great advantage. The same model is envisaged for the National Library and the National Museum. Like the National Archives, these will function at arm's length. We probably agree on more than we disagree on in this case.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The report that was done by IMPACT said that what was originally proposed would "seriously undermine" the ability of the "already very strained" bodies to deliver on their statutory obligations. Will the Minister of State comment on the report in question? Was it considered when a decision was made on how the Government intends to organise the governance of the National Museum?

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes. I am confident that every report that has made constructive and positive proposals with regard to these important national institutions - we all recognise the work they have done - has been considered at the highest level.