asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of a proposal to close the Gas Company Theatre in Dún Laoghaire because of the cost involved in complying with the conditions laid down by the fire department of the Dún Laoghaire Corporation; and if, in order to enable the work to be undertaken and to keep the theatre open, he will provide a grant to the theatre for this purpose.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Dún Laoghaire Theatre.
23.
I am aware from newspaper reports of the position as indicated by the Deputy. The latest such report indicates that the Gas Company have made a very generous offer to the local committee which has been formed to preserve the Gas Company Theatre and that, while this will not be enough to complete the necessary alterations, the committee anticipates no difficulty in raising the rest of the money needed. The question of a grant does not, therefore, arise.
The co-operation of business interests and of private individuals to preserve the Gas Company Theatre is an excellent precedent which will, I hope, commend itself to people in other communities.
In view of the fact that only a very small amount of money is now involved, might I ask the Minister if he would make a gesture of State support towards this theatre, and if he would consider making some small grant to the theatre concerned in order to keep it open?
As I have indicated, there does not appear to be any necessity for this, and the question of a grant does not apply.