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Legislation to place National Concert Hall on statutory footing passes through Dáil and Seanad – Minister Humphreys
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Monday) welcomed the signing into law by the President, Michael D Higgins, of the National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) Bill 2015. The Bill places the National Concert Hall (NCH) on a statutory footing.
The Bill sets out the overall strategic functions of the NCH and puts in place an updated standard corporate governance framework for the Hall.
Speaking today Minister Humphreys said:
“I am very pleased that this important piece of legislation has successfully passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and has now been signed into law by the President. Placing the National Concert Hall on a statutory footing will enhance what is one of our most important cultural institutions.
“I strongly believe that this legislation will help the Concert Hall to grow and expand in the years ahead, by ensuring it is underpinned by strong corporate governance. Visitor figures at the Hall are on the rise, and it has a very extensive and exciting programme planned as part of the State commemorations next year. 2016 promises to be the start of a new chapter in the Concert Hall’s future.
“In tandem with this legislation, the Government is also making a significant capital investment in the Hall. The historic Kevin Barry Rooms are being restored and redeveloped as part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. This is in addition to major capital investments in the National Gallery and the National Library, which illustrate that this Government is committed to investing in our cultural institutions.
“I want to see the National Concert Hall developed as a world class venue, which showcases musical excellence. This legislation will help to achieve that aim. The Concert Hall will now be more accountable to the Oireachtas, and its annual accounts will be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
"I would like to thank the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, which considered the Draft Heads of Bill earlier this year, and the Deputies and Senators who made strong contributions during the legislative process. I would also like to again express my thanks to the Chairman and the Board of the National Concert and its staff for their very useful contribution towards the development of this Bill. Their expertise has been of particular assistance to my Department.”
ENDS