Following receipt of a Protected Disclosure from a whistleblower this week, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said that the Arts Council CEO Orla McBride, Chairperson Kevin Rafter and Minister Josepha Madigan must provide clarity in respect of plans to relocate the Arts Council Head Office.

Teachta Ó Snodaigh said:

“I am calling on the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan, the Arts Council CEO Orla McBride and Chairperson Kevin Rafter to respond to points that I am highlighting today that have been made in a Protected Disclosure to me which alleges that the Arts Council is exposing the taxpayer to increased costs – or diverting monies better spent on the Arts – by contemplating a move to another building.

“This Protected Disclosure suggests that proper government purchasing/procurement guidelines have not been followed in the pursuit of this new premises, that the Minister and the Department have not been made aware of the move and that making minor alterations to the current premises to bring it up to the required standard represents a much cheaper option.

“I have forwarded copies of the Protected Disclosure to Minister Josepha Madigan and the Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD.”