Brian O'Shea
Question:319 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an academy for the performing arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10720/01]
Written Answers. - Academy for the Performing Arts.
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 in order to develop, advise on, facilitate and monitor the process of establishing the proposed Irish academy for the performing arts. The work of the group is currently ongoing.
The next steps in the development of the academy include the appointment of an interim governing authority and a president. Work in this regard is under way in my Department in liaison with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.