Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 65: To ask the Minister for Finance the way the artists were selected in relation to purchases recently made by the Office of Public Works (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44547/08]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The 178th annual exhibition of the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) was selected and assembled by Members of the RHA. The Members of the RHA viewed over 3,000 submitted works of art, and chose 535 of what they considered to be the very best. From this exhibition, nineteen works of art were chosen by representatives from Garda headquarters in the Phoenix Park with the expert advice and assistance of the Art Management Office of the OPW. Two art works were also selected from the exhibition for Leixlip Garda Station by the OPW Project Architect.

The RHA has been in existence since 1823 and has a remit for excellence in the visual arts covering the island of Ireland. Members and Associate Members of the RHA may only be appointed if they can demonstrate professional status and a proven track record in their art, whether it be painting, sculpture, original print-making, lens based or multidisciplinary art.

The art works purchased by the OPW were funded under the Government's per cent for art scheme. They include paintings, limited edition original prints and photographs.

The per cent for art scheme has been Government policy since 1997. The publication of Public Art: Per Cent for Art Scheme, General National Guidelines — 2004, encourages every public body delivering capital construction projects to implement the scheme. Limits apply to funding available under the per cent for art scheme, with the maximum art budget for projects in excess of €12.7 million, being €64,000. Over the past decade, the OPW has been committed to implementing this policy and adheres to the policies set out in the National Guidelines. The OPW Art Management Office has produced an Art Management Handbook that informs the OPW staff involved in management of capital projects about the procedures to be followed in relation to art projects.