Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 5

Written Answers. - Abbey Theatre.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

4 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the plans, if any, he has regarding the Abbey Theatre; the future funding arrangements; where the responsibility for funding and management will lie; the implications for the Arts Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

The Deputy has provided me with a welcome opportunity to acknowledge the artistic achievements of the Abbey Theatre at home and abroad during the term of office of the current talented artistic director and to wish the artistic, technical and administrative people who together make up our National Theatre a vibrant and creative future under their new artistic director when he takes up office in the new year.

The Abbey as Ireland's National Theatre is the primary cultural agency for the promotion of theatre and the work of Irish playwright. Since 1976 the Abbey has been funded by An Comhairle Ealaíon. Prior to this the theatre was funded directly by the State through the Vote of the Minister for Finance. Having regard to the importance of the Abbey and its status as a national cultural institution I am considering whether it would be more appropriate in current circumstances to fund the theatre directly through my Department's Vote in the same way as other national institutions such as the National Museum or the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Under such an arrangement I would expect An Comhairle Ealaíon to remain involved in the ongoing appraisal of the Abbey's funding needs. I am firmly committed to ensuring that the National Theatre Company receives the funding and support it needs to maintain and develop its important role in the cultural life of the nation.