Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 3

Written Answers. - Millennium Projects.

Seán Haughey

Question:

353 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will financially support the building of an opera house in Dublin as a millennium project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16096/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

The Deputy will be aware that a millennium committee has recently been established under the auspices of the Department of the Taoiseach and this committee has been charged with the responsibility of considering projects to celebrate the millennium. There are no capital funds available to me at this time to consider financially supporting the building of an opera house as a millennium project.

The Government's An Action Programme for the Millennium identifies as a key priority the establishment of an Academy for the Performing Arts, including a conservatoire. I am of the view that such an academy would be a very suitable project to celebrate the millennium. In this regard I have established an interdepartmental committee with my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, to examine the feasibility of establishing an academy and conservatoire at Earlsfort Terrace where the National Concert Hall is located. I understand that the working group will be submitting an interim report in late July/early August.