Vol. 561 No. 4
335 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the way in which he intends to progress the establishment of an Irish academy for the performing arts; the options being considered by him to develop this academy; the projects of a similar nature being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4652/03]
336 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he intends to re-appoint the interim governing authority of the Irish Academy for the Performing Arts as previously appointed by the Department of Education and Science; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4653/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 and 336 together.
Capital funding is not currently available to progress the project and the Government has decided that other options for the development of an Irish academy for the performing arts should be considered. The Deputy will be aware that responsibility for establishing this academy was recently transferred to me from the Minister for Education and Science. This is a complex matter. I intend to study the work already done in relation to the concept, after which I will be in a better position to determine how best to proceed. The members of the interim governing authority have been asked by the Minister for Education and Science to stand down on foot of the Government decision. It is not my intention to re-appoint the interim authority at this point in time.
