Legislation covering the running of the National Concert Hall is to be published in the coming weeks, Minister for Arts Heather Humphreys has said.

She said it would place the concert hall on a statutory footing, providing “a governance framework that ensures appropriate reporting and accounting to the Minister and the Oireachtas”.

Ms Humphreys said there had been a number of changes on the board last year. “At this point, I am satisfied that the board is focused on helping the National Concert Hall make the transition from a company to a statutory body, while maintaining the highest standards of musical performance for the public,” the Minister said.

She told Fianna Fáil spokesman Seán Ó Fearghaíl there had been a governance review which was now completed and on its website.

“My focus is on the future,” she said. “I accept there were problems in the past.” Ms Humphreys said the concert hall was doing very well, with increased visitor numbers. “There is a big development in terms of the Kevin Barry room and the front will be developed as well,” she added. “I am pleased to say it will have a significant role in the hosting of the events for the 1916 commemoration.”

The Minister said reasons for disagreement on the board had been outlined in various Sunday and weekday newspapers, so they were fairly well-known.

“There were disagreements among members which focused primarily on a fundraising initiative in America at that particular time which, I understand, could have cost the National Concert Hall €1.5 million,” she said.

“What was thought to be a philanthropic arrangement resulted in a commercial arrangement.”