Brian O'Shea
Ceist:271 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the proposed academy for the performing arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25424/01]
Written Answers. - Performing Arts Academy.
Following the Government decision of 13 December 1999 approving the establishment of an Academy for the Performing Arts, a planning and steering group was formed in order to develop, advise on, facilitate and monitor the process of establishing the proposed academy. Arising out of the work of the group, two key next steps were identified, namely the appointment of a governing authority and the appointment of a president.
On 30 July 2001, I announced the appointment of Ms Carmel Naughton as chair of the governing authority of IAPA. I have since met Ms Naughton to discuss the development of the project and the establishment of the governing authority. I expect to be in a position to announce the membership of the governing authority shortly. The appointment of a president would be a matter for the governing authority.
In relation to capital development a notice for the appointment of a design team was placed in the European Journal earlier this year and a contract notice will be placed in the EU Journal and in national newspapers shortly.