Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)

I agree with the Deputy that this has been a long-running issue. When I was my party's spokesman on the arts before the 2007 general election, where the Abbey Theatre would be located was a live issue. It was suggested it could be moved to the GPO, the Carlton site or the docklands area. A firm decision has been made that it will remain at its present location for the time being. We must bear in mind that it would cost €293 million, a huge sum in these difficult economic times, to transfer the theatre to the GPO. A cross-party committee, chaired by the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, is examining what could be done to properly commemorate the centenary of the great events of 1916. Not only was it a military affair, it was also a literary affair. It was almost a poetic affair. I am sure all the possibilities will be considered by the committee chaired by the Minister. I am also sure it will be fittingly commemorated when the time comes and we are all looking forward to it. I hope we will all be here.

See this speech in context