Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas Cheann-Comhairle, an Aire agus an Teachtá Ó Snodaigh as ucht an díospóireacht seo anocht. I have read through the report of the interdepartmental group on Dublin city and the task force recommendation. Pardon me if I am beginning to wonder if I am getting mixed up here. I see a reference to OPW management and a transfer. I do not see a mention of privatisation so if there is another document, can somebody please send it to me? I see a reference to Government offices and public services.

In the spirit of, or in reference to, culture and a possible use, the following is a suggestion that has been put to me by Mr. Evan Connon, a neighbour who is a master craftsman in the area of stained glass. The suggestion is that the GPO may be used as an Irish academy and house of fine art similar to Stockholm and the École des Beaux-Arts en Paris. Something like this would be an appropriate use when we think of the poets' rebellion of 1916. It would revolutionise art education in Ireland. It would give us an institution that would rally our national pride and our identity and it would be a catalyst for regeneration of the north inner city.

If we think of the connection to stained glass, the Harry Clarke studio that was founded on North Frederick Street and that mini-studio incorporated into the Hugh Lane Gallery, perhaps that is a fitting suggestion for a hybrid that would encompass the objectives of all Members of the Dáil.

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