I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 37 together.
It is clear that the existing premises of the national theatre are inadequate for the future needs of the theatre and the board of the national theatre society has made a number of submissions to me regarding options for the redevelopment of the theatre with Exchequer support.
My Department asked the Office of Public Works to review the options put forward by the national theatre society and to furnish professional advice on the feasibility and cost of all options for addressing the enhanced accommodation needs of the theatre. The report has been received from the Office of Public Works and is currently being considered by me. When this consideration is completed, I will bring proposals to Government and will enter into further discussions with the board of the national theatre society.
It is my stated preference that the national theatre should, if at all possible remain on Abbey Street provided that space and design constraints do not mitigate against this. One of the options explored by the Office of Public Works in its report is the possibility of acquiring additional site space adjacent to the existing site for the development of a new landmark theatre at this location.