Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 418: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if any State controlled amenities, that is, the National Gallery in the Dublin area are closed or have restricted entry during the current tourist season; and the reason for the restrictions. [36367/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the National Cultural Institutions operate under the aegis of my Department. The National Concert Hall, National Library, National Archives, Chester Beatty Library and the National Museum of Ireland are operating their normal opening hours.

During the extensive refurbishment works at the main building in IMMA's permanent home at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in 2012, IMMA is presenting exhibitions at two separate locations. Exhibitions are continuing throughout 2012 at the New Galleries at IMMA in Kilmainham and since 31 May of this year at IMMA at NCH in Earlsfort Terrace. In addition, to the exhibitions in Kilmainham, there are also four Family Art Trails in the extensive grounds and Formal Garden. Normal opening hours continue to operate. In relation to the National Gallery of Ireland, normal opening hours continue to apply. However, during the building refurbishment works, approximately 75% of the Gallery space has had to be closed to the public. In order to compensate for this closure, the Gallery has opened an exhibition highlighting its most popular and best known paintings entitled Masterpieces of the Collection in the remaining galleries.