Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Apr 2001

Vol. 533 No. 6

Written Answers. - Performing Arts.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

449 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to make changes to the proposal for the development of an Irish Academy for the Performing Arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9697/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The Government decision of 13 December 1999, approved the establishment of an academy for the performing arts incorporating the following three nodes: a headquarters and significant facilities on a site to be provided on the DCU campus, a Limerick campus developing the existing Irish World Music Centre at UL and an undergraduate professional dance facility based at the Firkin Crane Dance Development Agency in Cork.

A planning and steering group was set up on 27 January 2000 to develop, advise on, facilitate and monitor the process of establishing the proposed Irish Academy for the Performing Arts. This group is chaired by Dr. Danny O'Hare, former president of Dublin City University, and has representatives drawn from the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, the Department of Finance, the Higher Education Auth ority, third level institutions, the Arts Council and bodies providing professional education and training in music, dance and drama. The work of the planning and steering group is ongoing and I have no plans, at this stage, to change the proposals for the establishment of the academy.