Vol. 560 No. 1
585 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has received an assessment of the long-term needs of the Abbey Theatre; the key recommendations of this assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1941/03]
At the request of my Department and in close collaboration with the management of the National Theatre, the Office of Public Works has prepared a report on the long-term needs of the theatre. This report has concluded that the facilities available to the theatre are inadequate in light of modern standards for a national theatre. I am bringing proposals to Government on how best to respond to this situation in current circumstances.
586 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has opened negotiations with Dublin City Council to identify the opportunity to locate the Abbey Theatre in the Carlton Cinema complex which has recently become available; and if he is in a position to bring such discussions to a conclusion within a tight timeframe so that the development of the site would not be delayed for a substantial period of time. [1942/03]
Consideration of the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre is being progressed on the basis of the Government decision to retain the theatre on its existing site. Negotiations regarding any other site therefore do not arise at this point in time.
