Vol. 490 No. 6
11 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the latest position regarding the proposed redundancy package for members of the Abbey Theatre Company; when it is expected that the financial package and new pension arrangements will be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10770/98]
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 prepared and submitted such a proposal.
On foot of the advice subsequently received by me from An Chomhairle Ealaíon on the severance package, my Department has recently sought the views of the Department of Finance as to the proposed terms and costs. Thereafter it will be a matter for the National Theatre Society Limited to determine whether the members concerned are prepared to accept the terms of whatever package may be offered and how it can be funded. On this latter connection, my Department will be prepared to offer assistance to the National Theatre Society Limited and An Chomhairle Ealaíon, if requested, to explore funding options in the context in the first place of the annual grant payable to the society by an chomhairle.
