Vol. 405 No. 3
11 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach his views on the proposal in paragraph 953 of the White Paper on the arts Access and Opportunity that there be an annual President's evening at the National Concert Hall, to be televised by RTE, featuring the outstanding performers of the year in various branches of the arts.
The initiation of any such proposal would be a matter for the board of the National Concert Hall and the RTE Authority.
Would the Taoiseach favour the involvement of the President in an annual event of this kind that would celebrate outstanding performers in the various branches of the arts?
It is a well established tradition of this House that matters of that kind involving the President and Office of the President are not discussed. If the Deputy would like to make some private suggestions to me I will be glad to consider them.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the Government led by Deputy FitzGerald stated explicitly that they were in favour of such a Presidential evening to celebrate various outstanding performers in the arts? Perhaps he could examine this matter and ascertain whether he would agree with his predecessor in this matter?
Yes, but I think the Deputy would agree that it is not desirable and the Ceann Comhairle might chastise us were we to discuss matters involving the President's programme of activities.
I am calling Question No. 12.
Does the Taoiseach not like to be chastised?
I am calling the next Question.
