22 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make financial assistance available to enable Charlestown Theatre Group to avail of the invitation to perform the play, The Aristocrats, in Israel on 4 November 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14091/97]

The application from the company named by the Deputy will be fully considered at the next meeting, scheduled for 8 September 1997, of the Cultural Relations Committee, the body which makes recommendations on funding for cultural events abroad through my Department. The applicant will be informed of the outcome as soon as a decision is made.