State agencies and bodies under the department’s aegis
- Published on: 9 December 2020
- Last updated on: 22 August 2025
Introduction
The Department fulfils its mission with the vital support of State Bodies and Agencies operating across commercial, non-commercial and regulatory sectors. These entities are funded through the Department’s Vote Group and play a key role in delivering public services and policy outcomes.
Each State Body operates under specific legislative frameworks and adheres to the principles outlined in the 2016 Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. To uphold transparency, accountability, and strong governance across the public sector, all State Bodies under the Department’s remit are subject to rigorous oversight. This ensures that effective governance structures are consistently maintained.
Bodies
Arts and Culture
The Arts Council is the national agency for the promotion and development of the arts in Ireland. It was established in 1951 to stimulate public interest in, and promote the knowledge, appreciation and practice of, the arts. The Arts Council is a statutory body and is independent in relation to its funding decisions. The ongoing work and daily functions of the organisation of the Arts Council, including the preparation of Annual Reports and Accounts, is dealt with by the Director and staff of the Council. The Minister is responsible for appointing the board of the Arts Council.
The Chester Beatty is Ireland’s leading museum of world cultures, caring for and sharing an extraordinary collection of manuscripts, rare books, miniature paintings and other decorative objects that are of world importance. The collection originally formed the private library of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875–1968): following his death, the collection was left to the care of a trust, for the benefit and enjoyment of the public, and supported by the State in the form of an annual grant. Chester Beatty is designated a National Cultural Institution, and receives over 85% of its funding from the State.
The Crawford Art Gallery (CAG) was designated a National Cultural Institution in 2006 and is dedicated to the visual arts, both historic and contemporary. Based in Cork city, the collection comprises over 3,000 works, ranging from eighteenth-century Irish and European painting and sculpture, through to contemporary video installations.
Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
IMMA is Ireland’s National Cultural Institution for Modern and Contemporary Art and is situated at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Their diverse and ambitious programme comprises exhibitions, commissions and projects by leading Irish and international artists, as well as a rich engagement and learning programme which together provides audiences of all ages the opportunity to connect with contemporary art. IMMA is home to the National Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art, started in 1990 and now numbering over 3,500 artworks by Irish and international artists.
The Irish Manuscripts Commission is committed to promoting public awareness of primary source materials and their importance for the history, heritage and culture of Ireland. The Commission is recognised nationally and internationally as a publisher of primary sources for the histories and cultures of Ireland
The National Archives of Ireland provides access to Ireland’s public records for researchers worldwide. With over 60 million documents spanning more than 200 years of history, it serves as a rich source of information for researchers of all kinds. Their team of experts curate, preserve, and provide access to the records held in the archives, ensuring transparency and a deeper understanding of Ireland’s past.
The National Concert Hall is Ireland’s national cultural institution for music. Under the National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) Act 2015, the NCH became the statutory body charged with establishing both the national venue for music performance, and the institution responsible for promoting and supporting music as an integral part of Irish life. The NCH is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, as well as providing residence for a range of other music organisations including Chamber Choir Ireland, Irish Baroque Orchestra, Music Network, Crash Ensemble and Music Generation.
The National Gallery of Ireland was established by the National Gallery of Ireland Act 1854. Since then, there have been a number of subsequent amending Acts providing for the administration of the institution and further defining its functions. The NGI aims to provide an outstanding experience that inspires an interest in and an appreciation of art for all and is dedicated to bringing people and their art together.
The National Library of Ireland, founded in 1877, is the library of record for Ireland. NLI collects, protects and provides access to over 12 million items and will continue to do so for decades to come. The NLI provides access to the collections free of charge at four sites, and online to exhibitions and events, and to reference and research reading rooms.
The National Museum of Ireland was established under the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, promote and exhibit Ireland’s portable material heritage and natural history; to interpret and promote the collections and make them accessible to audiences at home and abroad; to be an authoritative voice on relevant aspects of Irish heritage, culture and natural history; and to maintain the lead role in education, research and scholarship pertaining to the collections.
Screen Ireland is charged with the function of providing development and production finance for Irish film projects. Screen Ireland is a statutory body and is independent in relation to its funding decisions. The ongoing work and daily functions of the organisation of Screen Ireland, including the preparation of Annual Reports and Accounts, is dealt with by the Chief Executive and staff of the Board. The Minister is responsible for the appointment of the board.
Sport
Sport Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus at Abbotstown. Sport Ireland was established under the Sport Ireland Act 2015 and is not incorporated under the Companies Act 2014. The Minister is responsible for the appointment of the board.
Media
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland was dissolved and Coimisiún na Meán the independent media regulator was established in March 2023 further to the provisions of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022. They are responsible for regulating broadcasters, video-on-demand providers and online platforms established in Ireland. This also includes supporting and developing the Irish media sector.
RTÉ is a not-for-profit national media organisation which exists to serve the Irish people and Irish communities abroad. RTÉ is a statutory body and is part-funded by Licence Fee income and part-funded by commercial revenue.. The Minister is responsible for the nominating individuals for appointment to the RTÉ Board. NewERA provides vital financial and commercial advice to Ministers and Departments in relation to the commercial Semi-State sector companies under its portfolio and brings a detailed and comparative knowledge across various sectors.
TG4 is the National Irish Language Public Service Broadcaster.TG4 is a statutory body and is part-funded by the Exchequer and also generates commercial revenue. The Minister is responsible for the nominating individuals for appointment to the TG4 Board . NewERA provides vital financial and commercial advice service to Ministers and Departments in relation to the commercial Semi-State sector companies under its portfolio and brings a detailed and comparative knowledge across various sectors.
Communication
An Post is Ireland’s national postal operator, providing a wide range of products and services including postal, distribution and financial services. An Post also provide agency banking and government services as well as operating through various subsidiary and joint ventures. An POST is structured into two world-class businesses - An Post Mails & Parcels and An Post Retail.
The Mails & Parcels business is rapidly growing An Ppst’s eCommerce and mail marketing businesses, offsetting declining mail volumes, while still delivering the highest quality postal service to every home and business in Ireland. An Post aims to play a full role in Irish economic life as the backbone of eCommerce, making sure that communities across Ireland have the same access to goods as in major world cities.
An Post’s Retail business manage more cash than any other organisation in Ireland and will seek to diversify and grow our financial and retail services while providing a trusted gateway to government services for customers, both online and in person. An Post’s aims to re-invent the post office network so every town and major village in Ireland has a modern post office, providing the financial technology services our customers need in a cashless society. An Post is committed to digital transformation and brand rejuvenation offering customer-centred competitive services.
Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)
ComReg is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications sector (telecommunications, radio communications, broadcasting transmission and premium rate services) and the postal sector in Ireland. Comreg as has a wide range of responsibilities in telecommunications (or electronic communications services and networks as it is more accurately described), posts and spectrum management. ComReg operates under Irish and EU Legislation in these areas.
ComReg is responsible for facilitating competition, for protecting consumers and for encouraging innovation. The role involves dealing with complex issues of law, economics and technology, and ensuring that their decisions are taken fairly and are clearly explained. ComReg operates as a collegiate body, with decisions taken collectively by the Commissioners. This is important in fulfilling the spirit of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 (as amended), which established the Commission.
Digital Hub Development Agency
The Digital Hub Development Agency runs The Digital Hub and implements its enterprise and campus development strategy. It also facilitates and contributes to urban regeneration in the Liberties area and pilots projects that are vital to the ongoing development of the digital sector in Ireland. The Digital Hub is a leading cluster of technology and digital media companies and creatives in Ireland. It provides space for indigenous enterprises to scale and grow.
Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) is a statutory body first established in 1923 and is responsible for examining and certifying all cinema films and videos/DVDs distributed in Ireland. IFCO’s aim is to provide the public and parents in particular with a modern and dependable system of classification that:
- protects children and young persons;
- has regard for freedom of expression and
- has respect for the values of Irish society
State Board Membership
Information in respect of the current membership of State Boards under the remit of this department can be found here.
Serving on a State Board
Following a Government Decision on 30 September 2014 concerning new arrangements for filling vacancies on state boards and the publication by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform of the government-approved Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards, the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is now responsible for managing the process of advertising and selection of suitable potential appointees for consideration by the Minister in filling state board vacancies. All appointments will be made in accordance with the governing legislation for each State Body.
The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies includes a description of the roles and responsibilities of Chairpersons, Boards and Directors.
In addition to holding details of the current membership of State Boards, current vacancies on State Boards are also advertised via Stateboards.ie including advice on how to apply.
State Board Membership Fees
The table below details the fees for State Boards under this department and the rates are applicable from 1 January 2010.
Reference to remuneration for chairs and members of Boards relates to the level of fee to which they are entitled and does not infer the fee was drawn down by individual members. Where public servants are appointed to Boards, under the One Person One Salary principal, no fees are payable.
Details in relation to Board fees are also available within the respective annual reports of each organisation.
| State Board | Chairperson Fee | Ordinary Member Fee |
| Arts Council | €8,978 | €5,985 |
| Broadcasting Authority of Ireland | €8,978 | €5,985 |
| Crawford Art Gallery | Nil | Nil |
| Foras na Gaeilge | €11,970 | €7,695 |
| IMMA | Nil | Nil |
| Irish Manuscripts Commission | Nil | Nil |
| National Archives Advisory Council | Nil | Nil |
| National Concert Hall | Nil | Nil |
| National Gallery of Ireland | Nil | Nil |
| National Library of Ireland | Nil | Nil |
| National Museum of Ireland | Nil | Nil |
| Fáilte Ireland (National Tourism Development Authority) | €20,520 | €11,970 |
| Radio Telefís Éireann | €31,500 | €15,750 |
| Sports Ireland | €11,970 | €7,695 |
| Teilifís na Gaeilge | €21,600 | €12,600 |
| Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch | €11,970 | €7,695 |
| Tourism Ireland | €11,970 | €7,695 |
| Údarás na Gaeltachta | €11,970 | €7,695 |
More information in relation to State Board remuneration is available in the Code of Practice, the Governance of State Bodies: Remuneration and Superannuation (2016).