Noel Ahern
Question:69 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he has considered direct funding by his Department to the Abbey Theatre due to its special significance.
Written Answers. - Abbey Theatre (Dublin).
As I indicated in replies to parliamentary questions on 4 November 1993 and 12 April 1994, I regard the Abbey, Ireland's national theatre, as the primary cultural agency for the promotion of theatre and the work of Irish playwrights. In view of its status as a national cultural institution, I am considering whether it would be more appropriate to fund the theatre directly through my Department's Vote in the same way as the other national institutions such as the National Museum or the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
As part of my examination of this issue, I have had consultations with An Chomhairle Ealaíon, who currently fund the Abbey, and with the representatives of the Abbey. I am awaiting the detailed views of An Chomhairle Ealaíon in the matter, which I expect in the near future, and I expect to be able to make a final decision on this subject soon afterwards.