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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Academy for the Performing Arts.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

840 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to locate a discipline of the proposed Academy for the Performing Arts at Waterford Institute of Technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26725/01]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government 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 under-graduate professional dance facility based at the Firkin Crane Dance Development Agency in Cork.

While there have been a number of representations made by interested parties regarding the academy's location, planning for its development is continuing on the basis that it will be located at these three nodes. However, it is envisaged that the academy will develop linkages with providers of performing arts training and education throughout the island. The development of the academy, including the development of such external linkages, will be a matter for its president and governing authority, once appointed.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

841 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to appoint a representative from Waterford Institute of Technology to the governing authority of the Irish Academy for the Performing Arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26726/01]

Following the Government decision approving the establishment of an academy for the performing arts, a planning and steering group was formed in order to develop, advise on, facilitate and monitor the process of establishing the proposed academy. Arising out of the group's work, two key next steps were identified, namely the appointment of a governing authority and the appointment of a president.

The composition of the governing authority of the Irish Academy for the Performing Arts, IAPA, is being finalised and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in this regard shortly. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is necessary to limit the membership of the governing authority in order to ensure its effective and efficient operation. There are no plans to appoint a representative from Waterford Institute of Technology to the governing authority of IAPA. However, I expect that the authority will consult widely with providers of performing arts training and education throughout the island in the course of its work.
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