I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 30 together. During a meeting which I had recently with the chairperson and artistic director of the National Theatre Society Limited, the question of a voluntary severance package and the capital development needs of the Abbey Theatre were raised. I explained at the meeting that, with regard to the voluntary severance package, I was awaiting the recommendations of An Chomhairle Ealaíon in the matter. As for the question of the capital development programme for the theatre, I did express my preference for the retention of the Theatre at its current site in Lower Abbey Street, Dublin. However, no costings were discussed at the meeting since at this stage there are no funds at my disposal to fund a capital development programme for the theatre. All the capital funding which is at my disposal under the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99 — in respect of the national cultural institutions of the State and the Cultural Development Incentives Scheme — has by now been allocated.
I have received a request from the Secretary of the Players' Council of the Abbey Theatre to meet me on the subject of a voluntary severance settlement for the company of actors and while I have been unable to meet the council to date. I will do so shortly. In this regard, I should point out that my Department was involved in tripartite discussions with An Chomhairle Ealaíon/the Arts Council and the National Theatre Society Limited some time ago on matters of common concern. During 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 would require the sanction of the Department of Finance as to its terms and costs. The proposals of the National Theatre Society Ltd. 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.
