THE director of the Arts Council, Patricia Quinn, has expanded and developed the council's staffing structures, to cope with the demands of a booming arts sector. Mary Cloake, as development director, is heading a team with responsibility for the development of the arts at local level and collaboration with other agencies to increase access and participation.Keane is the new administration and information executive, with responsibility for the council's general administration and internal information services. Tara Byrne is bursaries executive, and Kevin Kieran has been appointed consultant architect.

Two temporary appointments have also been made: Oliver Dowling is acting as visual arts officer. Sarah Finlay, who had a distinguished career as visual arts officer over the past seven years, has resigned, and her position has been advertised. Sinead Mac Aodha is working as assistant literature officer to literature officer Lar Cassidy, who has been on sick leave.