Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 4

Written Answers. - Festival Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

291 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he can offer financial or other support, directly or indirectly or through national lottery funding, to the Anna Livia Opera Festival, Dublin; if his attention has been drawn to the important programme the festival has engaged in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4548/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey):

My Department provided funding to the Anna Livia International Opera Festival for an initial three year period from 1999 to 2001 and extended this funding for a further year into 2002. The organisation was advised during 2002 that there was no provision for funding beyond that year. Resources are not available within my Department's budget to continue funding the festival.