I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 24 and 230 together.
The Government has approved the capital redevelopment of the national theatre in order to provide enhanced premises and facilities for the theatre. The agreement of the board of the National Theatre Society will be sought for the redevelopment of the theatre on the existing site. The Government has decided that a public private partnership arrangement should be initiated in this context.
I met the chairman and members of the board of the National Theatre Society last week to explain the terms of the Government decision, which the chairman welcomed. The matter will be progressed from here on in close consultation and co-operation with the board. Details of whether and for how long the Abbey may have to relocate will be worked out later. In this context, I will be happy to request the Office of Public Works to give any assistance possible to the Abbey in terms of locating an alternative premises at the appropriate time.
A number of city centre options, including the Carlton site, were examined. However, in arriving at a decision in the matter two important considerations were that the present site is already in the possession of the National Theatre Society, and it was considered that the Abbey's links with the existing historic site should be maintained if at all possible. Immediately following the Government decision last week officials of my Department met officials of the Office of Public Works to discuss how best to secure procurement of the project through a public private partnership. These discussions are continuing and, as I have already indicated, the theatre authorities will be fully involved in the process.