Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Feb 1994

Vol. 439 No. 3

Written Answers. - Theatre Funding.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

125 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the way in which he intends to address the imbalance with regard to theatre funding for the regions; and if he intends to ensure that structural funding is spent in the regions in order to ensure some form of equality.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

126 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht his views on whether the theatre scene in Ireland has changed dramatically over the last 20 years and on whether there are many voices throughout the country who now wish to be heard.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

127 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht his views on whether the development of local theatrical initiatives, which would themselves become a more vibrant national theatre, as all companies would contribute to the national scene, would not be a better idea than a large national institution.

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 to 127, inclusive, together.

I understand that An Chomhairle Ealaíon has budgeted to expend £4.5 million on Drama in 1994. Of that amount some £2.173 million will be absorbed by the grant to the National Theatre Society (Abbey and Peacock Theatres).

An Chomhairle is currently addressing the allocation of the remainder of its drama budget and it is anticipated that decisions will be made in the coming months in response to applications. An Chomhairle believes that at the end of this process there will be a virtual 50:50 allocation as between theatres, theatre companies and theatre events in Dublin and the rest of the country.

In effect, therefore, when the special case of the Abbey Theatre is excluded, there is a considerable degree of equality and balance between the expenditure by An Chomhairle in Dublin and in the rest of the country. As Structural Funds become available, the Deputy can be assured that the need to establish and maintain an equitable balance between the regions and the capital will be addressed.

I agree that the theatre scene in Ireland has indeed changed dramatically over the last 20 years and I believe that the standing and quality is extraordinarily high at the moment. The changes are characterised most significantly by the very welcome emergence of a number of professional theatre companies based in regional centres outside Dublin, the number of new performance venues and arts centres established by An Chomhairle Ealaíon, by the emergence of many fine dramatists and by the scale and range of touring by professional companies throughout Ireland.

The theatre scene in Dublin has become much wider and more varied in the 20 years. The work of the Abbey and of the Gate and the Dublin Theatre Festival continue to make an important contribution to the fabric of theatre in our capital city and throughout the country. In addition, many new young production companies have emerged, creating job opportunities and refreshing the repertoire.

With regard to the work of the National Theatre Company, I am already on record as acknowledging its work as the primary cultural agency for the promotion of Irish theatre and the work of Irish playwrights. I am committed to ensuring that the National Theatre continues to receive adequate funding and support to maintain and develop its important role in the cultural life of the nation. I see no dichotomy or contradiction between this policy and a policy aimed at the development of "local theatrical initiatives". Indeed, I believe that this simultaneous promotion of the national and the local will prove to be the most fruitful. Rather than developing at each other's expense, I believe they will support, complement and inspire each other.