Eamonn Coghlan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is very welcome to the House. Like Senator Ó Murchú, I am delighted to speak on this legislation. I compliment the Minister on bringing it to the House. As the Minister said, the purpose of the Bill is to provide for the conversion of the National Concert Hall from a company limited by guarantee into a statutory body. Various sections outline the functions of the National Concert Hall, its accountability and the corporate governance structure, which is in line with public sector reform generally relating to the corporate governance arrangements of our national cultural institutions.

Much hard work has gone into the composition of the Bill, including a review of the corporate governance of the National Concert Hall commissioned by the Department in February 2014. In addition, pre-legislative scrutiny was carried out by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht. This involved public hearings with the relevant stakeholders. The Bill provides for appropriate reporting to the Minister and the Oireachtas. It will streamline the accounting process and give it a statutory basis. Section 7 sets out the functions of the National Concert Hall, which will be the national venue for musical, creative, artistic and cultural activities.

The National Concert Hall is a fantastic venue to showcase our rich musical heritage. Other functions include the promotion of music in the public interest as an integral part of Irish life. This is an important role since music and the arts enrich our society at home and by attracting visitors from overseas.

Section 8 provides that the National Concert Hall shall be independent in the exercise of its functions subject only to general policy guidelines issued by the Minister to all national cultural institutions. I believe it is important to have independence in decision-making.

Music and the arts play an important role in our lives and in society. Music reaches out, transcends all walks of life and demonstrates strong social inclusion. Participation in music and the arts by children is one of the most important fundamental skills we can instil in their young lives. The National Concert Hall plays an important role in education. I know many young children who have performed there over the years as part of school choirs and I know what a big thrill this has been in their lives. Participation in such a prestigious venue improves their self-confidence, self-esteem and interpersonal skills. It builds positive attitudes in their lives.

I acknowledge the contribution of the National Concert Hall in the area of health care by enriching the care of people with long-term illnesses or other conditions. There are opportunities for learning through music for people with special needs and there are ongoing programmes in all the children's hospitals as well as the LauraLynn children's hospice. I am pleased that the role of the National Concert Hall is not restricted to hosting concerts alone.

As Senator Ó Murchú indicated, the National Concert Hall has been located in Earlsfort Terrace since its opening in 1981. It has a 1,200 seat auditorium. Last year, almost 330,000 visitors attended some 900 events held there. It derives most of its income from its commercial activities. The turnover according to the latest accounts was €6.8 million, enabling the company to break even, with State funding only amounting to one third of the total income.

The Bill will enshrine the National Concert Hall as a cultural asset of national importance nationally and internationally. Events held in the National Concert Hall cater for all genres, including classical, opera, jazz, musicals and even popular music. It hosts many international competitions of great importance such as the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition, which attracts visitors from all over the world.

The National Concert Hall is growing and developing the range of concerts and events on offer, from the international concert series to chamber music and traditional music, one example of which is Tradition Now in conjunction with the St. Patrick's Festival. In addition, Perspectives offers leading artists from across the spectrum the opportunity to perform to packed audiences. These artists include The Gloaming, Phil Glass, Bryan Ferry and the great flautist, James Galway. These were some of my favourites from last year.

I am pleased with the ongoing refurbishment of the Kevin Barry rooms into a 130 seat multi-purpose performance space by 2016. In addition, refurbishment is ongoing in the main auditorium while the old medical library will be a new 500-seat recital hall. There will be a jazz club, rehearsal spaces, recording studios and creative incubation spaces.

I welcome the role the National Concert Hall will play in the Government's 2016 programme. There will be a series of seven signature concerts over seven days during Easter Week 2016 around the theme of the Proclamation. The National Concert Hall is a critical part of Dublin's tourism network, attracting visitors and boosting the local economy.

I draw the attention of the Minister to some issues regarding the National Concert Hall. The Minister noted the turnover from the last accounts and said the company broke even to the tune of €6.8 million with a one third contribution from the Government. My understanding is that the numbers on the doors are down this year and there is a projected loss of more than €200,000. Is this being addressed at the moment?

There are also indications that 80% of the concerts at the National Concert Hall are promoted by commercial promoters. This means only 20% are being promoted by the National Concert Hall itself. Is anything being done to ensure the National Concert Hall will be proactive with its promotions? The geographical area most catered for by the National Concert Hall is the greater Dublin area. Are there any plans to extend its availability nationwide from Donegal down to Kerry and everywhere in between? I note that the current chief executive is due to step down in September 2016. When will the search for the new chief executive begin? What human resources process will be in place to interview potential candidates?