Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way the recent public sector reform proposals will affect the management of museums; if service levels will be maintained and improved; the savings which are expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36575/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has recently published Government proposals for Public Service Reform. Under this plan the Government proposes:-

· to combine the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the Crawford Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Ireland, while retaining separate identities;

· to merge the National Archives and the Irish Manuscripts Commission into the National Library while maintaining separate identities; and

· that my Department will examine the issue of shared services and the Board structure of both the National Library and the National Museum.

It is too early at this stage to identify what the practical effect of these proposals will be. My priority, in implementing all of these decisions, will be the maintenance of service levels to the public and the maximization of shared efficiencies.