Arts, Sport & Tourism
Thursday, 16 July 2009 17:45'An Bord Snip Nua' says consideration should be given to discontinuing the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism as most of the work could be done by others without disruption.
Total savings of €104.8m and 170 jobs would go.
One of the biggest hit agencies would be Fáilte Ireland, which would see a budget cut of €15m while the Tourism Marketing Fund would be cut by €12m.
In the sports area, the Sports Council would see its budget cut by €17.7m while funding for the dream of former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern - Campus Stadium Ireland - should be axed.
Cuts in the Horse and Greyhound Fund total €16.4m.
There should also be substantial cuts in funding for the arts with the budget for the Arts Council being cut by €6.1m, no more funds for cultural projects or Culture Ireland, the transfer of functions of the Irish Film Board to Enterprise Ireland.
Entrance fees to various institutions should be considered as a revenue raising venture, according to the report.
An entry fee of €3 in the National Gallery would raise around €3m a year. Fees to museums are common across the continent, the report states.
The instutution should decide the level of fee, opening hours and concessions.
