Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:643 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed Irish Academy for the Performing Arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16527/02]
Written Answers. - Performing Arts.
As the Deputy may be aware, in December 1999, the Government approved the establishment of an academy for the performing arts incorporating a headquarters at Dublin City University, a Limerick campus incorporating the Irish world music centre at the University of Limerick and an undergraduate professional dance facility based at the Institute for Choreography and Dance at Firkin Crane, Cork. The project was given a capital allocation of some €44 million to develop the new facilities over the period 2000-2006.
The interim governing authority was launched by my predecessor, Deputy Woods on 29 April to drive forward the establishment of the academy. The interim authority is chaired by Ms Carmel Naughton and has 12 other members, as listed below, representing a wide range of experience and expertise so as to ensure the development of a world-class third-level institute for the edu cation and training of performing artists in Ireland.
Interim Governing Authority of the Irish Academy for the Performing Arts–Chairperson: Ms Carmel Naughton.
Members: Mr. Brendan McDonald, Ms Garry Hynes, Mr. Gearóid Grant, Mr. Richard Wakely, Ms. Irene Fenton, Mr. Alan Stanford, Ms Billie Barry, Mr. Bernard McNamara, Ms Fionnuala Hunt, Mr. Bill Shipsey SC, Ms Brigid Roden, Mr. Paul Johnson.