Patrick McCartan
Ceist:2 Mr. McCartan asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement regarding the progress towards the creation of a Writer's Centre at Parnell Square, Dublin 1; and when the centre will be opened.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Writers' Centre.
The "Dublin Writers' Museum and Living Writers' Centre", 18-19 Parnell Square North, Dublin 1, is due to open on 30 May 1991. The total cost of the development is in the region of £1.5 million and work is well advanced and on schedule.
The "Irish Writers' Centre", within the overall development, will be located at No. 19 and I understand that it is envisaged that the following organisations will also be included among those who will operate from it: Irish Writers' Union, Irish Translators' Association, Irish Children's Book Trust and the Irish Copyright Licensing and Collecting Organisation.
Obviously I welcome the news from the Taoiseach that the centre will open during 1991 and that the work is on schedule. Can the Taoiseach indicate to the House where the element of costs of £1.5 million was carried from and what role he and his Department had to play in providing any of that subvention?
As in anything worthwhile my Department were to the forefront. In relation to the breakdown of the costs of £1.5 million, there are Structural Funds of £1.25 million, lottery funds of £100,000 and sponsorship of £275,000, giving £1.5 million.
Question No. 3, please.
As the Taoiseach is in the forefront in regard to it can he indicate the arrangements for staffing and for the ongoing funding and maintenance of the centre and what access the public will have to it generally in terms of exhibitions and other services?
These are matters which still have to be decided. At this stage we are just putting the thing in place.
Question No. 3, please.
Would you allow me, a Cheann Comhairle, to pursue this matter briefly? I hope I do not annoy the Taoiseach unduly. Can the Taoiseach indicate at what stage those matters, which must be near conclusion, in view of the May 1991 opening date, are at, who is involved and at what level are the negotiations regarding the future sustenance? It is one thing to open the door, it is another thing to keep the door open.
I am not aware of or involved in those detailed type of arrangements. The Deputy never annoys me.
I thought the Taoiseach was at the forefront.
Of the project.
Question No. 3, please.
The Deputy should be reasonably satisfied that we are putting a £1.5 million project in place.
I am very impressed with that but I am wondering about its sustenance.
Say alleluia or something just to indicate that you are impressed, or something.
Do you want me to sing it for you?