I move:—
That a supplementary sum not exceeding £10,000 be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1958, for certain Miscellaneous Expenses, including certain Grants-in-Aid, Compensation and Other Payments in connection with Injuries to Property (No. 24 of 1941) and payments of Compensation for Death or Personal Injuries.
The purpose of this Supplementary Estimate is to enable a special non-recurrent grant-in-aid of £10,000 to be made to the National Theatre Society Limited, who run the Abbey Theatre, towards meeting losses incurred in the working of the Abbey during the past few years. For over 30 years, the society have been in receipt of annual grants-in-aid from the Exchequer. At present they amount to £8,000 per annum, including £5,000 to meet extra running expenses due to transfer to the Queen's Theatre after the fire in 1951. Some time ago, the society asked that their grants-in-aid be doubled by reason of the big increase in their working losses during recent years. Following discussion and correspondence with the society, it has been estimated that by 31st March, 1958, the amount of their bank overdraft and of outstanding accounts will be approximately £10,000, representing in effect losses which it has not been possible for the society to meet from (a) ordinary revenue supplemented by the existing recurrent Exchequer assistance and (b) the sale of about £11,000 of securities.
In view of the importance of the Abbey Theatre in the cultural life of the country, it is felt that the Exchequer should come to its rescue. While it is not feasible in present circumstances to double the existing grants-in-aid as requested by the Abbey directors, it is considered that a special non-recurrent grant-in-aid of £10,000 should be paid towards wiping out the debts estimated to be due by 31st March, 1958. The approval of the Dáil to this course is sought accordingly.