Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she will consider revisiting the various Acts relating to the establishment of the Government agencies with responsibility for the formulation of public policy for Tourism, Culture and Sport, to ensure that the primary focus of public policy formulation, evaluation and analysis in her Department is to ensure greater ministerial responsibility and accountability for public policy and the expenditure of public moneys; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44024/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The statutory framework for the various agencies under the aegis of my Department are the subject of regular review to ensure that each agency is fit for purpose, that there is an appropriate separation of functions between the Department and its agencies and that transparency, openness and accountability apply. The current situation is that I am responsible for the formulation, development and review of policy for the tourism, culture and sport sectors. Responsibility for the implementation of that policy rests with the various agencies under the aegis of the Department. In particular, the day-to-day operational functions of the agencies are a matter for the agencies themselves.

In this regard, on a non-statutory basis, the Department of Finance's Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies provides a framework for the application of best practice in corporate governance by both commercial and non-commercial State bodies. Pursuant to this Code of Practice, the agencies under the aegis of my Department are required to confirm that they comply with the requirements of the Code in their governance practices and procedures.

The over-riding principle is that State bodies must serve the interests of the taxpayer, pursue value for money in their endeavours, including managing risk appropriately, and act transparently as public entities. Moreover, the Board and management should accept accountability for the proper management of the organisation.

The provisions of the Code of Practice do not transcend existing statutory requirements and other obligations imposed by, ethics legislation, Standards in Public Office legislation, and the specific statutory provisions relating to the State body itself.

The only change that I intend to make at the current time is to merge some of the cultural institutions. The Deputy will be aware of proposals to merge the National Gallery, Irish Museum of Modern Art and Crawford Art Gallery and the suggested merger of the National Library, National Archives and Irish Manuscripts Commission. Extensive consultations have already taken place in relation to both of these. Draft heads of enabling legislation are being advanced, and these will ensure that best practice is observed with respect to agency structures and functioning.