Pat Carey
Ceist:235 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of plans for a national centre for the performing arts; when this centre will become operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2952/01]
Written Answers. - Performing Arts.
A planning and steering group was set up on 27 January 2000 in order to develop, advise on, facilitate and monitor the process of establishing the proposed Irish Academy for the Performing Arts. This group is chaired by Dr. Danny O'Hare, former President of Dublin City University and has representatives drawn from the Departments of Education and Science, Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and Finance, the Higher Education Authority, third level institutions, the Arts Council and bodies providing professional education and training in music, dance and drama. The group has met on a number of occasions and its work is ongoing. No date has yet been set on which the academy will be operational.