Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 1990

Vol. 396 No. 3

Written Answers. - Dublin Zoo.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

212 Mr. J. Mitchell and Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the imminent danger of Dublin Zoo closing due to a shortage of funds of approximately £500,000; if, while awaiting the interim and final report of the working party set up to study the problems of Dublin Zoo which are expected in April and June 1990 respectively, she will immediately make available an interest free loan of that amount in order to avert a crisis in Dublin Zoo; or if she will consider other immediate financial assistance.

Peter Barry

Question:

213 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Education if she will make a special grant available to Dublin Zoo.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

215 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Education, in light of the recent announcement by the Royal Zoological Society of Ireland, suggesting that the financial crisis in Dublin Zoo is such that it may have to close down, whether any moneys will be handed over to the zoo before the findings of the inquiry looking into the future operations are published; if she will outline her response to the apparent efforts by the Zoo council to interfere with the independent work of the inquiry committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 212, 213 and 215 together.

Primary responsibility for Dublin Zoo rests with the Royal Zoological Society of Ireland.

The question of further State aid for the zoo will be considered in the context of the findings of the committee established by the Government to advise on the overall operation and activities of the zoo.

I am not aware of efforts by any group to interfere with the work of the committee.