I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. Regarding profits, the promoters have agreed that a proportion of the net profits of the "Messiah XXI" production company should go directly to a charity or a charitable trust. It has been agreed that a formal system should be set up in consultation with the National Millennium Commit tee to that end. In the event of reasonable profits we can negotiate for a charitable trust. I understand the copyright belongs to Frank McNamara, who is the brains behind the score. We felt the situation was similar to when one aids industry; it is better to make a clean award of funds and not get sucked into an ongoing legal involvement in copyright. We felt that was not a practical or sensible way to work.
This is a unique time and one of the most significant benchmarks in history. The fact that a millennium comes about only once every 40 generations or so places a clear onus on this generation to mark it properly. The National Millennium Committee is marking the millennium in ways that are lasting, rewarding and dignified while, at the same time, reflecting the excitement and anticipation that the end of a thousand year cycle generates.
The committee was set up to advise the Government on projects for inclusion in its Millennium Programme 1999-2000. Following a national advertisement campaign, hundreds of proposals, including the "Messiah XXI" project, were submitted to the committee for consideration. The committee was particularly interested in projects which would be special to the millennium and that would be inclusive in terms of participation and enjoyment.
In that context, the National Millennium Committee was impressed by the proposal to produce a contemporary version of the world renowned Handel's "Messiah". This new production, "Messiah XXI", expanded the original score to a symphonic and contemporary orchestration, broadening its appeal to include a younger audience. The project engaged internationally known artists to work with some of the best Irish artists, performers and technicians. It offered an exciting live performance using the most up to date staging, lighting and recording technology. Again, it utilised the very best of Irish talent in terms of the stage construction, design, recording and broadcasting elements.
At the core of the decision by the National Millennium Committee to support "Messiah XXI" was the commitment from the promoters and RTE to turn the production into a television spectacular and to broadcast it as one of RTE's flagship millennium projects. Everybody in Ireland will have the opportunity to see this original and exciting celebration of the millennium when it is broadcast in the prime viewing slot of 7 p.m. on 30 December. The project was on a scale and at a cost which excluded it as a normal commercial proposition. It was to be a special event uniquely linked to Ireland and the millennium but which would probably never happen without the financial backing of the National Millennium Committee. "Messiah XXI", like the original version, has a strong Christian message running throughout and the main Christian churches gave a strong endorsement to the project. It also has a clear link to Handel's original work which was also performed for the first time in Dublin.
"Messiah XXI" also aims to be an internationally viable event. In supporting the project, the committee was very aware of its uniquely Irish dimension but also of the possibility of its international appeal. "Messiah XXI", whether it is to Deputies' taste or not, has provided Ireland with a very exciting millennium project to share with the rest of the world. By doing so, it will spread the central theme of the millennium, certainly in terms of this country, the Christian message around the globe in a very accessible and popular form. In doing so, it will reinforce Ireland's position as a world force in musical, artistic and creative endeavour.
In considering "Messiah XXI", it is important that the House is aware of the other millennium themes which have been adopted by the committee and which are evident in the many projects it has recommended. For example, nearly £6 million has been recommended for social projects all over the country, including £2 million towards the Children's Hour fund raising initiative to help more than 100 children's causes, £750,000 for the establishment of a residential care centre for the elderly in Cork city, £250,000 for St. Vincent De Paul, £250,000 for the establishment by the Irish Wheelchair Association of a national mobility centre in County Kildare, £210,000 to fund the upgrading of the four Simon Community centres around the country, £150,000 has been allocated to the Hole in the Wall Gang at Barrettstown Castle, £100,000 has been made available towards a hospice in County Donegal and £60,000 to The Samaritans. These are just some of the key examples of the types of projects Deputy Kenny spoke about. Also, £1 million has been allocated to the provision of special facilities for parents and carers who must stay overnight at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire, while £1.6 million has been awarded to church projects, such as floodlighting of churches and towers, including Glendalough. In addition, £9 million has been allocated to a variety of environmental projects, such as bridges, lights, walkways, parks and forests. Yesterday we announced a project to grow an oak tree for every home in the country. Each tree will have a number so each family can identify their tree.
The other sponsors of the "Messiah XXI" include The Irish Times, which was quoted by the Deputy, RTE, Jury's Hotel and Delta Airlines. I was at a performance of “Messiah XXI” and it got two or three standing ovations that night.
