I am glad the Minister for Education and Science is in the House to deal with this matter. It is a month since I raised this issue by way of a parliamentary question, but it seems that there is some confusion between the Minister and his colleague, the Minister for Finance. The Minister for Education and Science should tell us exactly where the matter stands; the people of Cork city and county deserve no less. They need to know if this project has any chance of getting off the ground in the short-term. The Minister knows the matter is urgent because Cork has been selected as the European City of Culture in 2005. Everything is ready to proceed with the construction of the new school of music, but the Minister has not given the go ahead for it. I hope he will be able to do so this evening.
The new school of music was going to be the jewel in the crown of Cork, with all of Europe focusing on its role as the City of Culture in 2005. The Minister understands the importance of music in cultural terms. If the school of music is not allowed to proceed, it will be a terrible embarrassment for the city, the county and the country in general. Damage is being done to Cork's fantastic musical tradition. The Minister is aware that for many decades the school of music in Cork has been at the forefront of musical innovation in the city and many thousands of students have passed through it.
However, a major problem appears to have arisen. Eurostat and the Central Statistics Office have both been quoted and there have been difficulties concerning a public private partnership. The Minister's colleagues in Cork, like Opposition Members, have been working hard on this matter. At this stage, however, we desperately need urgent clarification of the position.
Music students and staff are currently operating all over Cork in temporary accommodation, including hotels. It is difficult to learn music in such conditions, which cannot continue for much longer. A Government decision is required, but if that cannot be taken we should be told why it cannot be done at this time. What is the difficulty? I am pleading with the Minister to provide some clarity by telling us what is happening. What are his plans and can he see the new music school project proceeding within the coming months or at all? Will he have to commence the entire procedure from scratch?
I understand that the developer has already spent up to €12 million in bringing the project to this stage. As the Minister told me when I raised this matter a month ago, that money may be lost to the State which will have nothing to show for it. I wish to support the Minister if he can allow the project to go ahead. He should work with his Government colleagues and move heaven and earth to get it going. It is really urgent.