Dáil debates

Thursday, 21 July 2011

6:00 pm

Photo of Maureen O'SullivanMaureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

I mean no disrespect to the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, when I express disappointment that the Minister is not in the Chamber to take questions. The Technical Group facilitated the various changes to the parliamentary question rota that have occurred over recent weeks.

Yesterday morning, the Minister attended the launch of the Dublin Fringe Festival at the Project Arts Centre. When I spoke to him afterwards, he expressed his admiration for the drive and enthusiasm of the group of largely young people who organised the festival. Many of these individuals were involved in Dublin Youth Theatre, which is housed in appalling accommodation in Gardiner Street. However, even though the building is restricted and does not have enough room for its needs, Dublin Youth Theatre has produced a number of talented playwrights and actors. I hope alternative accommodation for this group will be on the agenda when the Minister continues his discussions with NAMA. When does the Minister of State envisage the Minister issuing a report on the discussions?

The project for this year's final class of architecture students in DIT was "NAMA lands". They came up with several interesting suggestions for NAMA's buildings, many of which are located in Dublin Central. There was a particularly interesting proposal for that appalling monument to Anglo Irish Bank on North Wall. Perhaps the Minister's attention can be drawn to the students' exhibition.

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