Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:33 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the progress to date of the Millennium Committee; when its proposals to mark the millennium will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17753/99]
Written Answers. - Millennium Celebrations.
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:34 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Taoiseach the proposals, if any, the millennium office has for Dublin. [18776/99]
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:35 Mr. Sargent asked the Taoiseach if the National Millennium Committee is considering free public transport for the period 31 December 1999 to 1 January 2000. [19953/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 34 and 35 together.
The progress to date of the National Millennium Committee is outlined in detail in the progress report which I circulated to all Members of the House on 28 September last.
The National Millennium Committee was established in November 1998 to advise on suitable projects for inclusion in the Government's Millennium Programme which covers the period 1999 through to the end of the year 2000.
In respect of millennium proposals for Dublin, the Government on the recommendation of the Committee has to date approved the following awards: £2 million towards the cost of the two flagship projects of Míle Átha Cliath, the Liffey of Lights and the Liffey Board Walk; up to £500,000 for the refurbishment of the front of the Gaiety Theatre; and £300,000 to the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery to reconstruct the Francis Bacon Studio as a centrepiece of the Gallery's collection.
In addition, there are a number of major events to take place in Dublin over the week-end of the New Year which are outlined in the progress report. In respect of smaller projects and events for Dublin, millennium funding has been made available under the millennium recognition awards and the millennium events awards initiatives. Details of awards under these iniatives will be announced in the near future.
Regarding the matter of free public transport for New Years Eve, the National Millennium Committee has not received any such proposal for consideration.