Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Will the Minister indicate the cost of the feasibility study to date? Is she in a position to indicate the amount of money that has been spent on feasibility studies since her predecessor, Síle de Valera, first examined the possibility of relocating the theatre to the Grand Canal Docks area?

A large range of artefacts and exhibits are currently stored - they are not on show - in Collins Barracks. I am sure these could be exhibited in the GPO. It would be interesting to discover whether it would be possible to put on such an exhibition if the Abbey Theatre were relocated to the building. I ask the Minister to give consideration to this matter.

The GPO is an iconic building. There are two iconic figures in this country who appear to have different views on the relocation of the Abbey Theatre. The first is Senator Norris, who wants the theatre to be relocated to the GPO, and the second is the great Ulick O'Connor, who is very much opposed to moving it from its current location. Which of these individuals is influencing the Minister's thinking at this stage?

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