Arts chief to respond to Oireachtas criticism
ARTS Council chief Orlaith McBride is to make a statement to an Oireachtas committee about potential conflict-ofinterest issues relating to the Gate Theatre.
It follows controversy about sex pest allegations against Gate Theatre director Michael Colgan.
Ms McBride has denied a conflict of interest over her friendship with Mr Colgan. She never recused herself from Arts Council decisions on providing funding to the theatre.
The friendship of Mr Colgan and Ms McBride was first raised when Ms McBride appeared at the Oireachtas Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht two weeks ago.
But before the Arts Council boss could reply, committee chairman Peadar Tóibín intervened to halt the discussion.
The Sinn Féin TD claimed that the line of questioning could adversely affect any legal cases that might be taken against the Gate.
Ms McBride has since requested the official record of the proceedings be amended to include her views. Next Tuesday she will reappear before the committee to read a prepared statement. She will not be questioned.
Ms McBride served on the board of the Arts Council for eight years before she became director. During this time, the Gate Theatre received €8.74m from the council.
Since she became the council’s director six years ago, the theatre has received an additional €4.5m.
In a statement released yesterday, the Arts Council said: ‘We have asked to be allowed to put our response on record. The director of the Arts Council has never had a conflict of interest as alleged… and we wish to make that clear.’