Vol. 276 No. 13
I move:
That a sum not exceeding £583,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the period commencing on the 1st day of April, 1974, and ending on the 31st day of December, 1974, for certain Miscellaneous Expenses, including certain grants-in-aid.
Would it be possible for the Minister to give some indication of the nature of these expenses?
Yes. The National Theatre Society, £240,000; additional aid to the theatre, £174,000; property values—these are arbitrations and appeals—£5,500; the Centenarians' Bounty £1,500; the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, £27,000; the Racing Board grant-in-aid for capital purposes, £75,000; and State entertainment, £60,000, making a total of £583,000.
I am obliged to the Minister for that information. In relation to the figure of £174,000 for the theatre, can the Minister state what amount, if any of that sum has been expended in the last nine months?
This is made up of £48,750 for the Gate Theatre with a supplementary sum of £9,000; for the Irish Theatre Company, £74,000; Dublin Theatre Festival, £18,000 and the Irish Ballet Company, £33,250 and a supplementary sum of £12,000.
Can the Minister state whether the Government would be prepared in principle to consider giving some assistance to the restoration of the Olympia Theatre?
This is obviously a matter that does not come up for consideration in relation to these Estimates. I have a very open mind and I will consider everything.
Will the Minister consider it favourably?
I never try to colour my consideration of any matter.
