Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for not being here earlier. There are always meetings on at the same time. I have a few questions and I hope I will not duplicate what has already been asked but if I do, forgive me. I completely agree with Ms Dukes; I see the Abbey as something extremely special and hugely important to Irish artists and talent coming through, including playwrights, actors and designers. It is the one place where people can use their artistic license and do not have to worry so much about bums on seats, as we all do as artists. It cannot be all about this and it is unique to the Abbey Theatre. It should not become a commercial entity. From the letter written, and what I have heard over recent weeks and months, this has been a huge concern. Perhaps it has been addressed today.

My next point is with regard to Mr. Conlon's presentation. Perhaps it has already been answered by the Abbey Theatre. If so, well and good, but if not, I would like Mr. Murray's thoughts on it. The casting department-----