Fiach MacConghail (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I know this is a slightly inauspicious introduction, but I congratulate the Minister on her recent appointment as Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I look forward to working well with her over the next while. She knows my track record. However, I wish to put a few points on the record. I am not making a personal statement regarding the two appointees. By the look of them they are two very qualified people, but I do not think they are qualified for the Irish Museum of Modern Art. It is a contemporary art gallery and one that has an international reputation. I am disappointed that near the start of her speech the Minister linked the appointments with tourism. Initially, the Irish Museum of Modern Art was there to curate, exhibit, conserve and collect modern art for the 21st century for the citizens of this country. Yes, tourism is important, but the primary aim of the Irish Museum of Modern Art is to engage with contemporary art and our citizens so that our citizens understand what extraordinary work both Irish and international artists are producing. That is the pinpoint.

I understand this might be outdated, but the limit on the number of board members is nine. By my calculation, adding two brings the number to 11. I know a Government decision was made around two years ago whereby the cap on members was nine. We are now at 11, so I would like confirmation as to whether there were vacancies or whether this broke with a particular Government decision regarding extending the numbers from nine to 11. Second, did the Minister have a formal meeting with the chairman of the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the director regarding the skill sets required? We know that the pressure on all arts organisations, including the Abbey Theatre, is with regard to fund-raising and philanthropy. I want to know whether fund-raising or philanthropy was considered as part of the skill set when making these two appointments. I want to know whether the Minister or her officials met with the board or the chairman in examining what skill sets might be required to enhance and support the growing reputation of the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Those are the questions I would like to see answered.