Olwyn Enright
Question:119 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he expects to be in a position to decide on the way in which to proceed with the development of an Irish academy for the performing arts. [5585/03]
Written Answers - Performing Arts.
Simon Coveney
Question:126 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has responsibility for the establishment of an academy for the performing arts; the likely timescale for the commencement of work on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5497/03]
Olwyn Enright
Question:132 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to facilitate a meeting between the major providers of music performance tuition; and his views on the effect this will have on the creation of an Irish academy for the performing arts. [5584/03]
Kathleen Lynch
Question:139 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason the project to establish an Irish academy for the performing arts has been abandoned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5614/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 126, 132 and 139 together.
Capital funding is not currently available to the Minister for Education and Science to progress the project and the Government has decided that other options for the development of an Irish academy for the performing arts should be considered.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government recently decided that responsibility for this project should be transferred to me. This is a complex matter. I intend to study the work already done in relation to the concept, after which I will be in a better position to determine how best to proceed.
The likely timescale for the commencement of the project is dependent on how it is decided to proceed and the state of the Government finances at that time. It would be my intention at the appropriate time to consult widely with all relevant parties including the major providers of music performance and performing arts tuition. Until such time as I have completed my deliberations and determined a course of action, I will be unable to indicate a likely timescale.