Dáil debates
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Performing Arts
4:00 pm
Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
In light of the fact that Opera Theatre Company operates very successfully across the country, can the Minister assure us that the new national opera company will be able to stage a similar number of performances in the same range of venues? OTC tours around 18 venues all around the country and it allows many communities to experience opera. I am concerned that we will have a repeat of our experience of national theatre, which does not leave its home in the Abbey Theatre to tour the country even though it is heavily subsidised by the State.
OTC runs a tight shop on a budget of approximately €800,000. I understand OTC and Opera Ireland receive €1.8 million between them but getting the new company up and running will require €4 million. Where will this money be found?
Brendan Quinn
Posted on 28 Oct 2010 11:24 pm (Report this comment)
Jimmy, thanks you for taking up this point with the minister after the letter I copied you in on which I sent to Mary - I think the reprieve for OTC was an absolute essential - at least we have held together a management talent pool and artistic talent pool together without dispersing them to the winds.