asked the Taoiseach if his Department intend to make submissions to the management consultant (details supplied) at present inquiring into the affairs of the Chester Beatty Library; if he will ensure that the report in this case is published when completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

My Department have made no formal submission to the management consultant but have explained to him the relations between the Department and the library.

The question of publication of the report is a matter for the trustees of the library. I hope that this study requested by the trustees will be helpful to the trustees in their management and promotion of this unique cultural centre.

Have the Taoiseach's Department played a role in the appointment of a consultant considering he came from a semi-State body and was appointed within days of the Taoiseach indicating to the House in December that he would certainly inquire into matters developing within the library?

We have a certain role because we have ministerial responsibility for the affairs of the library, but our functions are really confined to approving the appointment and the expenditure.

In view of the continuing concerns about affairs within the library, could the Taoiseach not indicate to the board a desire emanating from ministerial responsibility to see this report published and discussed as broadly as possible? Secondly could he ensure that the status quo with regard to the position of the director would be maintained until the report and investigation are completed? In that regard is the Taoiseach aware that since the appointment of the consultant, the director has been issued with a letter seeking his resignation?

The trustees have absolute discretion under the will of the late Sir Alfred Chester Beatty to "make regulations and provisions for proper management, upkeep and control of the library for its use and enjoyment by the general public". What I can do in regard to the library is very limited and that is the proper way, but it is envisaged detailed discussions will be held between my Department and the trustees when the report is completed.

Would the Taoiseach not agree it would be appropriate for the trustees to make no significant change in the management and staff structure of the library which might pre-empt that report? His view on that might be helpful in present circumstances.

I would not see that as my responsibility.

Would the Taoiseach indicate the point of appointing a management consultant if decisions are to be taken in advance of the report which might pre-empt that report? Given that he has a role in seeking this report and arranging for it to be undertaken, surely he must have some view as to the appropriateness or otherwise of significant steps being taken in advance of the receipt of the report.

The Deputy knows as well as I do that this matter is governed by the will of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, and the will is quite specific in conferring absolute discretion on the trustees for the proper management, upkeep and control of the library and its use and enjoyment by the public. Any representations in this matter about the management of the centre should be conveyed to the trustees, not to me.

Will the Taoiseach convey his views to the trustees on that point?

I was calling another question.

I view of what the Taoiseach has just said, will he convey his view on the appropriateness of the pre-emptive action to the trustees?

Yes.

I trust the Taoiseach will do that.