Catherine Martin, Ireland's former Arts Minister, is facing criticism for not informing the Government about a botched €6.6 million IT system at the Arts Council last June. The scandal came to light after the Arts Council's 2023 Annual Report revealed that a new grants application system was shelved due to cost overruns.
Catherine Martin , the former Arts Minister, was aware of the botched €6.6 million IT system at the Arts Council as early as last June but did not inform the Government. This revelation came to light after Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman confirmed that he had spoken to Ms Martin about the controversy. Ms Martin stated that she was awaiting the completion of an investigation before bringing the matter to the Cabinet’s attention.
The scandal unfolded when the Arts Council’s 2023 Annual Report disclosed that a new grants application system had been abandoned due to cost overruns amounting to €6.5 million, with an estimated overall loss of €5.3 million. The original budget for the system was €2.97 million. The government, at its Wednesday Cabinet meeting, ordered an external review of the Arts Council following this revelation. There is widespread anger within the Government regarding both the overspending and the lack of notification about the issue when it first surfaced last June. Mr. O’Gorman acknowledged the justified anger over the financial waste and explained Ms. Martin’s position, stating that she intended to present the investigation findings, which she commissioned in June, alongside the annual report to the Cabinet. He emphasized the need to examine the project's early stages and management over the years, recommending the involvement of key personnel, including the current and former Secretary General, board members, and relevant ministers. Catherine Martin has not responded to multiple requests for comment from the Irish Mirror since the scandal broke. Current Arts Minister Patrick O’Donovan presented the details of the Arts Council’s overspending at the Cabinet meeting, where other ministers were reported to be furious. Government sources have raised concerns about the possibility of other undisclosed scandals within the Department that Ms. Martin and her team may not have adequately addressed or communicated. The spotlight has also shifted towards the role of civil servants within the Department and whether they properly handled the situation. The Irish Mirror understands that civil servants and other bodies under the Department's umbrella may be asked to come forward and disclose any issues currently unknown to the new minister or the Government
Arts Council Catherine Martin IT System Government Overspending Scandal Roderick O'gorman Patrick O'donovan
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Arts Minister Knew of €6.6 Million IT System Failure But Did Not Tell GovernmentCatherine Martin, the former Arts Minister, knew about the failed €6.6 million IT system at the Arts Council last June but did not inform the Government. Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman revealed that Ms Martin intended to bring the findings of an investigation to Cabinet alongside the annual report. However, the scandal only came to light this week, prompting an external review of the Arts Council and raising concerns about potential further issues within the Department.
Read more »
New Arts Minister Warns RTÉ of 'Thin' Patience as Reforms UrgedIncoming Arts and Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan met with RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst and Chair Terence O’Rourke, urging the broadcaster to demonstrate progress in implementing its reform strategy. O’Donovan warned that political and public patience with RTÉ is waning, highlighting the need for 'action' and a focus on attracting younger viewers. The meeting followed reports of stalled cost-cutting plans and ongoing scrutiny of RTÉ's governance following a scandal earlier this year.
Read more »
Arts Minister Faces Tough Challenges in Low-Prestige RoleThis article explores the challenges facing the newly appointed Irish Minister for Arts, Patrick O'Donovan, in a role often perceived as politically insignificant. The article highlights the pressing issues O'Donovan must address, including RTE funding woes and the end of the basic income for artists program. It also examines the reasons behind the low prestige of the arts ministry in a country that values its cultural heritage.
Read more »
Government orders review of operations of Arts Council following €6m IT system controversyMinisters criticised handling of project by Arts Council and Department of Arts
Read more »
Government to Expand Cabinet, Including New Super Junior Minister RoleThe incoming government plans to create three new Minister of State positions, bringing the total number of ministerial roles to 38. This will be the largest government in the State's history. The government's first legislative act will be to amend the law allowing for these additional roles. A government spokesman stated that the expansion is necessary to ensure a strong and stable government, particularly in light of the growing population and anticipated challenges.
Read more »
Will Junior Minister appointments correct gender imbalance in Government?“20 years ago, we had more women in the cabinet than we have now – and yet we have more TDs,' said a former Fianna Fáil minister.
Read more »