With effect from 3 May 2005, the National Library of Ireland was established as an autonomous National Cultural Institution under the provisions of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997.
In announcing this development, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr John O'Donoghue said: "I am pleased to take the historic decision that will make the National Library of Ireland an independent institution in control of its own destiny and responsible for its own affairs. The Chairman Gerard Danaher and the members of the new Board will be supported by the talented and dedicated staff of the Library and its new Director".
Gerard Danaher SC, Chair
The current membership of the Board is as follows:
Gerard Danaher SC – Chair, Senior Counsel
Colette Byrne – Acting Director, National Library of Ireland
Patrick F. Clyne – Judge
Bob Collins – Former Director-General RTÉ
Ida Delamer – Former Trustee of NLI, Silver Consultant
Breda Kelly – Company Director
Máire Mac Conghail – Professional Genealogist, Member Irish Manuscripts Commission
Susan McGrath – Civil Servant
Niall MacMonagle – Teacher, broadcaster
Noreen Whelan – Teacher and former Trustee of NLI
Gerard Long – Assistant Keeper I, Printed and Visual Collections, NLI
David Harvey – Company Director and Broadcaster
Board Committees
In accordance with the provisions of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997, the Board has established two statutory Board Committees, reporting to the Board:
Readers Advisory Committee
The statutory Readers Advisory Committee (RAC) is chaired by Board member Noreen Whelan and the other members are as follows: Fr J. Anthony Gaughan, Ms Angie Kinane, Mr Seamas Leahy, Ms Marie Reddan, Diarmuid Kennedy. The main function of the RAC is to act as a standing body to advise the Board of the National Library on matters relating to the provision of services by the Library.
Committee on Genealogy and Heraldry
The statutory Committee on Genealogy and Heraldry is chaired by Board member, Patrick Clyne, and the other members are as follows: Board members of Committee - Ms Máire Mac Conghail, Mr Niall MacMonagle, Mr Brendan O Donoghue. Non-Board members of Committee - Mr Paul Gorry, Mr Shane English, Dr Susan Hood, and Dr Ciara Breathnach. The Director of the National Library and the Chief Herald of Ireland are non-voting members of the Committee. The main function of the Committee is to act as a standing body to advise the Board of the National Library on matters arising from the Board’s statutory powers and functions in the areas of Genealogy and Heraldry.
The Board has also established a Board Audit Committee and an Acquisitions Policy Advisory Committee.