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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Theatre Society.

Enda Kenny

Question:

208 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage; Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposals, if any, she has placed before the Department of Finance to introduce a proper voluntary severance package for the nine members involved in the Abbey Theatre Players Council; her views on the situation whereby personnel who have given up to 38 years service have had no increase in salary for many years and have a maximum scale of £21,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15729/97]

: While the statutory responsibility for the funding of the National Theatre Society Limited rests with An Chomhairle Ealaíon, my Department was involved in tripartite discussions with both parties some time ago on matters of common concern.

During the course of these discussions the question of a voluntary severance package for the society's permanent company was raised. It was agreed that the society would develop such a proposal and submit it to An Chomhairle Ealaíon in the first instance. An Chomhairle would consider the proposal and recommend a course of action to my Department, which would respond to An Chomhairle's views. Any voluntary severance package will require the sanction of the Department of Finance as to its terms and costs.
The proposals of the National Theatre Society Limited on a voluntary severance package have been submitted to An Chomhairle and copied to me as a courtesy. I am awaiting An Chomhairle's recommendations in the matter.
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