Culture Department tells Arts Council to pause spending on legal action against contractors, committee hears
Briefly

During a recent Oireachtas Committee meeting, representatives from the Department of Culture and Arts Council discussed the €6.7 million spent on a new IT system intended to replace an outdated grant application system. Outgoing director Maureen Kennelly revealed that legal proceedings had commenced against several contractors to protect taxpayer interests. Although the council spent €60,000 on legal fees, the Department directed it to halt further legal action, raising concerns about the management of funds and accountability within the council. Discussions were had about potential redress without quantifying costs.
Ms Kennelly stated that the Arts Council's legal actions aim to mitigate costs to taxpayers regarding an IT system overhaul, indicating serious accountability issues.
Feargal Ó Coigligh detailed the department's directive to the Arts Council against incurring further legal costs due to ongoing concerns about the proceedings.
Read at Irish Independent
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