Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 3

Written Answers. - Academy for the Performing Arts.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

241 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 239 and 240 of 7 December 2000, the timescale for the completion of the work of the planning and steering group of the Irish Academy for the Performing Arts; if he will ensure that consultations take place between Waterford Institute of Technology and the planning and steering group in regard to the submission from the Institute of July 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30136/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The planning and steering group for the Irish Academy for the Performing Arts was established to develop, advise on, facilitate and monitor the process of establishing the proposed academy. Having regard to the remit of the group, I do not believe that it would be appropriate to set a timescale for completion of its work at this time.

As part of its work the group has engaged in a consultation process by inviting written submissions from interested parties in June, 2000. The group will be giving all submissions, including that of the Waterford Institute of Technology, close consideration. As part of this process, the group will consider further consultation with interested parties in relation to the submissions received.