Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Smyth asked about co-productions and the balance in the programming. Under the five year strategy the Abbey Theatre considers many different types of shows and programmes. There are co-produced shows, in association productions, presented shows and other types of shows. The balance has to be right. There must be a correct balance to support Irish artists in a meaningful way. The Deputy also mentioned the literary department. I am not aware of that but I can check it out and refer back to the Deputy.

To respond to Deputy Ó Snodaigh, it is important to point out that the arts community places a very high value on my legal position of having an arm's length relationship with the Arts Council. I provide significant funding to the Arts Council - this year it is €75 million - and it administers this independently. The Arts Council also must be mindful of the integrity of artistic freedom, which is important. In terms of the Deputy's comment that I will just let them have a dialogue about this and not interfere, I am overseeing what is happening. There was a further development yesterday. I received a copy of a letter the Abbey Theatre has sent to the signatories. It is seeking to have a meeting on 1 February and I hope the theatre petitioners will be in a position to do that.

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