Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are very limited categories of items in subsection 8 on which the CEO cannot comment on Government policy. So it is limited there. The CEO appears before the Committee of Public Accounts in his capacity as Accounting Officer only. As we know the Committee of Public Accounts relates to financial accountability mainly. We have tried to provide in the legislation for artistic freedom while at the same time I have been clear that we must have accountability for how taxpayers' money is spent. I wanted to find that balance and I think we have found that in this legislation. I again thank the Oireachtas committee for its pre-legislative scrutiny.

Section 8 provides that the National Concert Hall will be independent in the exercise of its functions and there is no capacity for the Minister to interfere in any programming the National Concert Hall wants to put on. It can include country music if it so wishes.

The CEO appears before the Committee of Public Accounts for a particular reason, as clearly outlined in subsection 8. There is similar provision in other legislation.