The Arts Council's expenditure of €6.7m on a failed IT system designed for grant applications has raised significant concerns, leading to appearances before the Public Accounts Committee. Director Ms. Kennelly announced her departure amid questions on her contract renewal, which was not sanctioned by the minister, despite a strong business case for continuity. The project, initially budgeted at €3m, ballooned in costs and has left the council relying on an outdated system. The Secretary General stated the minister decided the suitable contract length, highlighting internal disagreements.
"My contract came to an end in early May, and the board had made a very strong business case to the department for a renewal of a further five-year term, which is the norm," Ms Kennelly said.
"The minister unfortunately wouldn't sanction a further five year term, which was precedented with all my predecessors in living memory, I think," Ms Kennelly said.
"The [minister sanctioned the contract that he deemed appropriate," said the Secretary General of the Department, Feargal Ó Coigligh.
"earlier this year, it was revealed the Arts Council had spent almost €7m on an IT project which planned to bring in a new system for processing and managing grant applications.
#arts-council #leadership-changes #it-project-failure #public-accounts-committee #grant-applications
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