Gibraltar Government is considering proposals for possible changes to the structure of the Ministry for Culture along the lines of the Sports Authority. However contacted by the Chronicle a well informed source said it is early days yet and no firm decision has been taken by the administration.

“To speculate on what is going to happen at this stage is premature,” he said.

It is understood an indeterminate number of staff at the ministry are seeking to transfer out to other parts of the civil service because they are unhappy with workload that allegedly exceeds their requirements as civil servants.

The Ministry for Culture is responsible for organising numerous cultural events, and painting exhibitions throughout the year, including the Open Art exhibition and Miss Gibraltar.

Staff are believed to have expressed discontent on the basis that the functions required of them by the Ministry, irregular hours etc, are above the requirements that civil servants have to accomplish in the course of their duties.

It is understood that as and when employees are transferred to other sections of the administration, the Gibraltar Government as part of its periodic review of resources would consider the matter and the various available options if it becomes necessary to replace what exists now.

However at present no decision has been taken regarding the future model that will be applied if the changes are carried out.