The following formal task forces and working groups have been set up under the aegis of my Department since July 1997.
A working group on the establishment of an academy for the performing arts, including a conservatoire in Dublin was established in March of this year jointly by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, and the Islands and the Minister for Education, Deputy Martin. The working group will report to both Ministers on the steps necessary to establish the academy.
The terms of reference include making proposals on the scope of the academy, identifying the ongoing cost and staffing implications of the establishment of the academy, reporting on the appropriateness and the suitability of the existing buildings at Earlsfort Terrace for accommodating the academy, identifying the potential for non-Exchequer funding for part of the capital costs, examining the financial implications of relocating the current educational facilities housed in Earlsfort Terrace, the timescale for such relocation, and the likely agreement of all interested parties in the relocation.
The group comprises 11 members including a chairman and is due to report at an early date. No significant costs are anticipated arising from the establishment of the group at this stage.