Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 10: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the extension to the National Concert Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34865/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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On Thursday 13 April 2006, I announced that the Government had designated the Earlsfort Terrace site as the location of the new National Concert Hall. The Government also conveyed approval to finalise the purchase of the site from the UCD authorities as soon as possible.

Contracts for the purchase of the interest of University College Dublin in the Earlsfort Terrace site were executed on 20 September 2006. As UCD will be vacating the site on a phased basis, a leaseback arrangement will be put in place until late 2007, by which time the college will have fully vacated the premises.

The procurement of a new National Concert Hall will be progressed on a public private partnership basis, in accordance with the guidelines on public capital projects, subject to the Minister for Finance and I being satisfied with the outcome of an evaluation of the economic benefits of the project. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the evaluation has been completed and is being considered by officials in my Department and in the Department of Finance. Work on finalising the PPP paperwork and process is continuing.

I have asked my Department to establish a steering committee to oversee the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall and requested the Secretary General of my Department to chair this committee.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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The Minister accepted that the PPP process with regard to the national conference centre was very complicated and cumbersome. Does he therefore regard a PPP as the best option for the National Concert Hall? I understand the Abbey Theatre will not go through the process.

This is an ideal opportunity to accommodate the Royal Irish Academy of Music in the new building arrangements in the concert hall. In the context of new space being provided, will he give consideration, in consultation with the directors of the National Concert Hall and the Royal Irish Academy of Music, to provision being made to relocate the academy from its current site to the concert hall site at Earlsfort Terrace?

I am sure the Minister is familiar with the academy's accommodation which requires major upgrading and more space. I ask the Minister to consider the relocation of the academy because of the space available at the Earlsfort Terrace site and the positive synergy that could take place between the concert hall and the academy.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I agree with Deputy Deenihan that the PPP process is a complex one and this proved to be the case with regard to the national conference centre. We are reaching the finishing line in so far as the national conference centre is concerned. Subject to certain details being agreed, it may well be possible to go on site in the not too distant future with a view to constructing the new national conference centre — at least, that is my hope.

My Department officials have learned a considerable amount about PPPs since that process started. They are very well versed in how difficult and complex the process is and this experience will stand them to good stead when they are contemplating the various stages which must be undergone in connection with the construction of the new National Concert Hall.

We have not abandoned the PPP process for the Abbey Theatre. We have decided to divorce or segregate the design concept from the PPP so that we can have an international competition which will hopefully see a result next summer. We will then proceed to the PPP. The reason I wanted an independent design for the Abbey Theatre is because it is to be a signature building for Dublin. I have often stated that despite the fact we have one of the most creative and imaginative generations ever of Irish people, there is no piece of public architecture to give expression to that creativity and imagination. This will fill that gap.

The National Concert Hall is different because it is sited at Earlsfort Terrace which is an existing and listed building. I believe that a PPP will be appropriate in this case and that the design process which is built into the PPP will not damage the prospects of us having a very fine building because the building is already a very fine one.

There are no plans to accommodate the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Earlsfort Terrace. I assume this could be discussed in the context of there being a 2,000-seat hall and a smaller hall with a capacity of approximately 500, but I am not privy to any such discussions.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I ask the Minister to make inquiries and speak to his officials because there is a marvellous opportunity now for this type of development. Many international artists perform in the National Concert Hall. It would provide an opportunity for the artists and students to interact. The students would have the opportunity to perform on a regular basis in the new spaces to be created in the concert hall. This would be a unique opportunity to do something very special for music in this country.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Deenihan will be aware that it is not possible for me to give any commitment because it is a matter for the board of the National Concert Hall. However, I will bring his comments to the attention of the chairperson and members of the board of the National Concert Hall and communicate their views to the Deputy.