Arts Minister Heather Humphreys has said the appointment of John McNulty to the board of the Museum of Modern Art should have been done differently.
Speaking in the Seanad tonight, Minister Humphries said she had taken the criticism surrounding the appointment on board.
She was responding to questions by Fianna Fáil Senator Thomas Byrne, who called on the minister to address Mr McNulty’s appointment.
Minister Humphreys said Mr McNulty was appointed to the board of IMMA on the balance of talent and experience.
The minister along with Taoiseach Enda Kenny have been under pressure over Mr McNulty's nomination to the board of IMMA.
Minister Humphreys said that Fine Gael party officials had made her aware of Mr McNulty’s interest in serving on the board.
She said she had looked at his experience and made the decision that he could make a positive contribution to the board of IMMA.
She said the Taoiseach had taken responsibility and that the system was being reformed.
The minister said that while she stands over the appointment, she was committed to using the public appointments procedure in line with the guidelines.
Meanwhile, the Fine Gael National Executive met for three hours this evening.
It is understood the Seanad by-election controversy was raised.
However, but it is believed the officials who sent Mr McNulty's CV to Minister Humphreys were not named.
The Opposition claimed Mr McNulty's nomination to the board of IMMA was made to improve his candidacy for the Seanad by-election.
Mr McNulty has resigned from the IMMA board and asked for his name to be withdrawn from the Seanad by-election.
