John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

7. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress he has made in achieving shared services and board structures between the National Library and National Museum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19247/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Engagement with the national cultural institutions on the reform agenda is ongoing and intensive. Work is ongoing bilaterally with the boards of directors of the National Library and the National Museum and regular meetings of my Department's reform committee have taken place to further the implementation of the Government's reform plan. I intend to seek Government approval in the coming weeks for draft heads of a Bill to give effect to the reform measures in respect of the boards which is being undertaken by my Department.

As part of a range of reforms agreed by Government under the public service reform plan, it was decided that the existing National Archives of Ireland governance model would be applied to the National Library of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland. The proposed advisory council will operate pro bono in place of the existing boards. Board membership will be reduced significantly. The advisory council will have no role in relation to the day-to-day management of the bodies and will specialise in fundraising, fostering philanthropic relations and donations, and advice to the Minister on library and museum policy matters. The day-to-day management of the institutions will be a matter for their respective independent statutory directors. The proposed model is similar to that already in place at the National Archives, the success of which has been widely recognised in the House and further afield.

I have previously advised the House of the shared-services model that will be deployed across the three institutions through my Department. The model will include corporate support services and, by formal inter-institutional agreement, operational services. Regular meetings have been taking place between my Department and senior management in the National Library, National Museum and National Archives to implement a human resources shared support services function. This function will be carried out by the human resources unit of my Department and will cover all human resources matters arising in the relevant bodies. Progress has been made on identifying the work that will be undertaken by the unit and it is envisaged that the shared service will be in place shortly. The intention is that shared human resources support services will be implemented on an administrative basis pending enactment of enabling legislation. The institutions are also developing the requisite agreements in relation to shared operational services.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

The Deputy will be aware that overall savings of €20 million in enhanced service efficiencies and value-for-money were targeted in the public service reform plan. In that context, it is expected that savings in the region of approximately €1 million will be made initially across the institutions involved in the reform programme and funded from my Department's Vote. Further savings will be identified as the various cost saving measures are implemented. A further benefit from the rationalisation of support and operational services will be a less crowded administrative landscape, resulting in greater democratic accountability, less duplication of effort and clearer lines of responsibility for the citizen. It will also allow the institutions to focus on their core objectives of service to the public.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fact that the legislation that is required in this context is pending. It is good news. Once again, I emphasise Fianna Fáil's party political view that the arms-length principle has been abandoned by the Minister and express our considerable regret at that. As the Minister has heard these points before, I move to ask him whether a cost-benefit analysis been completed or even undertaken by the Department. When will the new director of the National Museum who will oversee the implementation of the significant changes outlined be appointed?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The arms-length principle will be enshrined in the legislation I bring forward.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is not possible.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will have an opportunity to comment on the Bill. The curatorial independence of the directors will be enshrined and, in fact, strengthened in the forthcoming legislation. Regarding the cost-benefit analysis, the intention is to save approximately €20 million in the reform plan overall. We hope that over time there will be a considerable saving through shared human resources, IT and security services etc. There will definitely be a savings factor.

The appointment process for a director of the National Museum is ongoing. I understand that a large number of applicants have applied and the interview board has selected a number of candidates of very high calibre to interview, which will happen immediately. It is a matter for the board, but I hope an appointment will be made very shortly.

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is generally recognised that the advisory council of the National Archives is working extremely well. Can the Minister indicate the timeframe in which an advisory council will be put in place for the National Museum and National Library? While the reforms the Minister has introduced are excellent, we need a structure and a timeframe.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The legislation to provide for the proposed reforms is at a very advanced stage and we hope it can be introduced, if not before the summer, in the autumn. I have seen the proposals and hope to take them to Government shortly to obtain approval to draft the legislation.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Notwithstanding what the Minister has said, am I to understand that no cost-benefit analysis at all has been carried out?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I mentioned already that there would be an immediate saving of €240,000 in directors' and board members' fees. It is a considerable sum when one considers the small budgets within which the bodies have to operate.