Vol. 486 No. 5
82 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has made arrangements for a severance package for the members of the National Theatre Abbey Players; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2984/98]
As the Deputy is aware the statutory responsibility for the funding of the National Theatre Society Limited rests with An Chomhairle Ealaíon. However, my Department was involved in tripartite discussions with An Chomhairle and the National Theatre Society in 1996 and 1997. The question of a severance package was discussed at this forum and it was agreed that the best way to proceed was for the National Theatre Society to develop a proposal and submit it to An Chomhairle in the first instance. The National Theatre Society has prepared and submitted such a proposal and this is being considered by An Chomhairle. Any voluntary severance package would require the sanction of the Minister for Finance.
