Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 6: To ask the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to develop the General Post Office as a cultural centre in view of the options outlined in the recent feasibility study prepared by his Department and the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21794/11]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the feasibility study referred to in her question is available on the website of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. It was undertaken to assess the feasibility of locating the Abbey Theatre in the GPO. The feasibility group included representatives of the Office of Public Works, the Abbey Theatre, An Post and the Departments of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The Deputy's question refers to the input into the group's work made by the Office of Public Works when it described the plans it had prepared in 2008. Any proposals relating to the use of the GPO would be a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in consultation, as necessary, with the Office of Public Works. The feasibility report found that although it would be technically feasible to relocate the Abbey Theatre to the GPO complex, it would be extremely difficult to complete the relocation in time for the 1916 centenary celebrations. The GPO houses 960 staff of An Post which holds an exclusive lease of the complex until 2034 at an annual rent of €1.27 million. The report estimated that the cost of the relocation of the Abbey Theatre to the GPO would be €293 million. The estimate came with a caveat that several unknown factors could add significantly to that sum.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Like the issue of the Moore Street monument, this matter arises again and again. If one examines the questions tabled to the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht since he took office, it is obvious that this subject is being raised frequently. It is really in the hearts of the people. It is in my heart also. What provision has been made in the run-in to 2016 for the creation of a national monument incorporating the GPO, Moore Street, Moore Lane and O'Rahilly Parade? Such a project would be very important in the context of the centenary celebrations in 2016.

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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I agree with the Deputy that this has been a long-running issue. When I was my party's spokesman on the arts before the 2007 general election, where the Abbey Theatre would be located was a live issue. It was suggested it could be moved to the GPO, the Carlton site or the docklands area. A firm decision has been made that it will remain at its present location for the time being. We must bear in mind that it would cost €293 million, a huge sum in these difficult economic times, to transfer the theatre to the GPO. A cross-party committee, chaired by the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, is examining what could be done to properly commemorate the centenary of the great events of 1916. Not only was it a military affair, it was also a literary affair. It was almost a poetic affair. I am sure all the possibilities will be considered by the committee chaired by the Minister. I am also sure it will be fittingly commemorated when the time comes and we are all looking forward to it. I hope we will all be here.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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We really want to create a cultural area before 2016.

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Yes. There was a strong connection between the 1916 Rising and culture, literature and the Irish language. Many of the leaders of the rebellion were former members of Conradh na Gaeilge who met while they were involved in that organisation. They played an important role. As Minister of State with responsibility for the Gaeltacht and the Irish language, I hope the cross-party committee will recognise their contribution when the celebrations and commemorations are being planned.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I support Senator McLellan in this regard. We accept the Minister of State's confirmation that the Abbey Theatre will not move to the GPO. I join the Deputy in suggesting the Department and the OPW should consider locating a cultural centre in the GPO to celebrate the history of the building as the focal point of the 1916 Rising. Many of our forefathers fought in GPO and its vicinity to secure the freedom of the country. As we approach the centenary celebrations, the Department should carefully consider what can be done with that area of Dublin city. I suggest it should develop a facility that could be used to celebrate the 1916 Rising, not only on a once-off basis but also by future generations. We will have festivals and commemorations to celebrate the centenary, but we should also develop this historic building in order that it would become an ongoing tourist attraction in the heart of the city. I ask the Department to revisit the matter with a view to putting something in place by 2016.

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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I do not disagree with the Deputy. I agree with his depiction of the GPO as iconic. People who visit Ireland make their way to it because it is almost like the Bastille in another country. Previous commemorations were rather narrow and almost militaristic. We have to widen our focus on this occasion by highlighting the significance of our culture, language and poetry. I am confident that the committee chaired by the Minister will consider the views expressed here today.