Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I take on board the fact that the Arts Council funds independent companies, etc. but the differential between what artists are by independent theatre companies and by the Abbey Theatre has been a major part of the current problems at the Abbey Theatre. The Minister did not address that issue in the first part of her response, although perhaps she might do so in further replies.

The Arts Council will, of course, have a pivotal role to play in terms of the future of the Abbey Theatre in the light of the decision to restrict funding. The response to the issue in hand is punitive and there may be an opportunity to introduce a co-operative element. Independent productions are vital to the long-term success of Irish theatre. We risk being in a position where too much focus will be placed on the Abbey Theatre, with other sources of talent potentially being left behind in the rush to protect the national theatre. The Abbey Theatre's letter stated the national theatre reducing its production output would mean that there would be less diversity, but the opposite is also true. Removing opportunities to access the national theatre, where appropriate, could also represent a loss. What mechanisms are being considered to improve remuneration for those who work in independent productions?

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