asked the Minister for Finance whether the Directors of the Abbey Theatre sought his approval to their proposal to invite only selected contractors to tender for the rebuilding of the Theatre; and if in view of the fact that the Theatre will be rebuilt with the assistance of funds voted by the Oireachtas he will require as a condition of providing further financial help that no restriction be put upon the furnishing of tenders by any reputable builders in reply to advertisements in the national press.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rebuilding of Abbey Theatre.
2.
Mr. Ryan
My approval was sought for the proposal to restrict tenders for the rebuilding of the Abbey Theatre to selected contractors. Because of the magnitude and complexity of the undertaking, I agreed that as comprehensive a list as possible should be drawn up of building firms whose capacity to carry out a project of this kind was well known and that the invitation of tenders should be confined to that list. The question of providing State assistance for the rebuilding, in excess of the sum provided for under the Funds of Suitors Act, 1959, does not arise.
Mr. Ryan
Would the Minister consider the introduction of legislation to amend the Funds of Suitors Act so that the money allocated to the existing company could be withdrawn from them and allocated to a new company which would build a new national theatre and take over the Theatre Royal and the Regal? That would put an end to the existing directorship who are doing things contrary to the people's interests?
Would the Minister tell us who is going to have the Abbey Theatre rebuilt?
The Abbey Theatre Company.
Mr. Ryan
Would the Minister give the names of the contractors on this list?
Every contractor who was considered to be in a financial position to take the contract was notified. There are 20 on the list.
Mr. Ryan
Who decided the financial and other qualifications of the contractor?
The Abbey Theatre Company, on the advice of their architect.
Does it not seem rather daft to be pulling down two theatres, including one of the oldest established in the city, and at the same time, to be building a new one?
It was only today that I heard that.
You could hardly fill the Theatre Royal with Abbey plays.
It does seem daft to me to be pulling down two theatres and building another one.