Written answers

Tuesday, 2 October 2018

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

National Cultural Institutions

Photo of Bríd SmithBríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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109. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on reports that leading cultural institutions including the National Gallery, National Museum and Irish Museum of Modern Art that are funded by the State are engaged in the widespread use of hiring unpaid interns; the effect this will have on the art and cultural sector; if this practice has been approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39809/18]

Photo of Josepha MadiganJosepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Cultural Institutions under the remit of my Department operate both paid and unpaid internships. Paid internships are funded from a number of sources such as fellowship grants from private sponsors.

Unpaid internships are generally of short duration in specialised areas such as conservation and exhibitions. These internships are mainly availed of by students and recent graduates and in many instances form part of the students course requirements. I understand that three national cultural institutions under the aegis of my Department - the National Museum of Ireland, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Ireland - are currently operating such internships.

The National Cultural Institutions are independent bodies under the aegis of the Department, it is a matter for these bodies to decide if they are able to facilitate requests for short term internships from students and other interested in developing a career in the sector.

The Workplace Relations Committee has indicated that it hopes to devise an information campaign on internships in the coming months. My Department will ensure that the National Cultural Institutions will have full regard to all guidance received on these matters.

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