Written answers

Tuesday, 29 March 2011

Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs

Arts Council

10:00 pm

Photo of Gerald NashGerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 137: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs when he will appoint new members to the board of the Arts Council of Ireland; the criteria he will apply to the appointments process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5783/11]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

At present, there are three vacancies on the Board of the Arts Council. The legislation governing the appointment of members to the Board of the Council is contained in Section 11 of the Arts Act 2003. Under the Act, all of the members of the Arts Council are appointed by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport. The legislation requires that the Council shall consist of a chairperson and 12 ordinary members each of whom shall in the opinion of the Minister, have a special interest or knowledge in relation to the arts or matters connected with the functions of the Minister or the Council under the Act. Appointments are made for 5 years from the date of appointment.

The Act also requires that not less than six members of the Arts Council shall be men and not less than six shall be women. The current membership of the Council is seven women and three men. This means that the three vacancies must be filled by men.

In addition to the legislative provisions, I believe it is important that conflicts of interest do not arise on the Council. New members are formally requested to resign from membership of boards of organisations funded by the Arts Council when appointed to the Board of the Arts Council. I am giving careful consideration to this matter to ensure that the Board will continue to include members of the highest calibre with the skills required to serve the needs of and to maximise the potential of the arts. I intend to make decisions on these appointments shortly.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.