Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arts Development.
- Ministerial responsibility for the arts 2 speeches
Mitchell asks whether a Minister should be assigned specific responsibility for arts development; the Taoiseach says he will continue to hold that responsibility.
Gay Mitchell, Charles J. Haughey
- Financial assistance for the Olympia Theatre 6 speeches
Mitchell urges urgent financial support for the Olympia Theatre, warning it may close without help. The Taoiseach says he will convey the request to the Arts Council, but notes that money is scarce.
Gay Mitchell, Seán Treacy, Charles J. Haughey
asked the Taoiseach if he will consider assigning specific responsibility for the development of the arts to a Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
Ministerial responsibility for the arts is vested in the Taoiseach and I intend to continue to discharge that responsibility.
Comment on this
Arising from the Taoiseach's reply and as he is the Minister responsible, is he aware that the Olympia Theatre is in urgent need of financial assistance and will he give urgent consideration to once-off financial aid——
Comment on this
——in order to ensure its viable continuation? May I ask the Taoiseach, as the Minister responsible and one who has an interest in the theatre, if he will give special consideration or if he will ask the Arts Council to give special consideration to the needs of the Olympia Theatre?
Comment on this
In view of the fact that it is one of the major theatres in the capital city, will the Taoiseach expedite the consideration being given by the Arts Council or by himself? Is the Taoiseach aware that the theatre is in danger of not remaining in operation as a viable theatre and may be in danger of closing? Will he, therefore, take an urgent interest in the matter?