asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the purchase of the State Cinema, Phibsboro, with a view to using the premises as a community amenity in the form of a theatre/concert hall complex.

It is not proposed to purchase the State Cinema, Phibsboro, for the purpose mentioned.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary favour the general idea expressed by Deputy Byrne?

The idea was to provide accommodation for a concert hall and that is already envisaged in the development at Earlsfort Terrace. That development is to provide a public concert hall and a permanent base for the RTE symphony orchestra. The planning for this scheme is in progress and that should adequately supply the need for this amenity.

Has it been finally decided that the proposed John F. Kennedy Memorial Hall is to be scrapped?

That is a separate matter.

I have not any information regarding that.