Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

144. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the current relationship between the Lincoln Centre and the National Concert Hall; the total budget spent by the National Concert Hall from 2011 to date in 2015; the money accrued from that relationship to the National Concert Hall from 2011 to date in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3996/15]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

145. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the conflicting legal advice received by the board of the National Concert Hall with regard to its relationship with the Lincoln Centre and the NCH's fundraising activities; the reason the Attorney General was asked to advise the NCH Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3997/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.

My Department provides funding to the National Cultural Institutions, including the National Concert Hall (NCH). However, the board of the NCH is responsible for all operational matters, including fundraising, and I have no direct function in these matters. In this regard, I understand that the board decided not to proceed with the proposed arrangement between the Lincoln Centre and the NCH in 2013.

However, in order to address general queries being raised at that time, my Department sought advice from the Office of the Attorney General on the issue of the establishment by the NCH of a fundraising foundation. The outcome of that advice was subsequently communicated to the board.

It is my intention that the proposed Bill to place the NCH on a statutory footing will clarify the legal position regarding fundraising activities.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

146. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if reports have been carried out on the future of the National Concert Hall between 2011 and 2015; if all these reports are public; her views on the recommendation of the reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3998/15]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

148. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is satisfied with the current governance of the National Concert Hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4000/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 148 together.

An independent review, commissioned by the board of the National Concert Hall (NCH), regarding the programming, marketing, financial and operational performance of the NCH was carried out by CHL Consulting Company Ltd in association with IMD Group and completed at the end of 2013. A copy of the report was furnished to my predecessor, following which, in November 2013, he requested the board of the NCH to address the matters arising from the report and prepare an implementation plan, including timelines for the effective delivery of the various elements. As the report was commissioned by the board of the NCH, publication is a matter for it.

My predecessor also commissioned the former Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills to carry out a governance review at NCH, which was completed in July 2014. My Department subsequently referred the report to the Chair of the NCH for consideration. It is also being considered by my Department in the context of the preparation of the legislation to put the NCH on a statutory footing. The report will be made available on my Department's website.

With regard to placing the NCH on a statutory footing, my Department has prepared a general scheme of a Bill, which has been the subject of pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht. It is intended that the Bill will provide, inter alia, for a governance framework that will ensure appropriate reporting and accounting to the Minister and the Oireachtas by the NCH. I am satisfied that the board is focused on helping the NCH make the transition from a company to a statutory body, while maintaining the highest standards of musical performance for the enjoyment of the public.

It is my intention to publish the National Concert Hall Bill in the coming weeks.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

147. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reasons five board members of the National Concert Hall resigned in April 2014; if she has been in contact with these former board members since their resignation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3999/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A number of changes took place on the board of the National Concert Hall during April 2014. Ms Margaret Ryan stepped down as both Chair and member of the board, while four ordinary members also stepped down. Ms Ryan had already indicated her intention of stepping down was to focus entirely on her role with Fáilte Ireland, while I understand that the four ordinary members stepped down due to differences on the board. My predecessor appointed new members to replace those who had stepped down. Since my appointment, correspondence from a former board member was received in my office and has been responded to.