Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

Following the announcement of the budget and the Estimates, I will be providing the Arts Council with its funding. As a result of the established principle under law, the Arts Council will then decide how to spend that money. The council is considering the future of opera at present, has sought suggestions from interested bodies and will obviously arrive at a solution. The Arts Council has always been very supportive of opera. It was forced to reduce the funding available for opera as a result of the reduction in its own budget. I am sure the Deputy is aware that there were a number of difficulties with Opera Ireland which, unfortunately, had to be wound down. However, the Opera Theatre Company is functioning very well and is promoting opera throughout the country. Wexford Festival Opera will be commencing its annual autumn programme shortly.

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