239 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the consultations which have taken place between the planning and steering group for the Irish Academy for the Performing Arts and the Waterford Institute of Technology following the submission in July 2000 from Waterford Institute of Technology to the planning and steering group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29148/00]
240 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science when the planning and steering group for the Academy of the Performing Arts is to report to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29149/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 240 together.
The planning and steering group was set up on 27 January 2000 in order to develop, advise on, facilitate and monitor the process of establishing the proposed Academy for the Performing Arts. No specific timescale was set for completion of the group's work.
The group sought written submissions related to its terms of reference in June 2000. I understand that a number of submissions were received, including one from Waterford Institute of Technology. While no consultations have been held between the planning and steering group and Waterford Institute of Technology, I understand that the group will be giving the institute's submission and indeed all submissions received close consideration as part of its work.
