David Norris (Independent)

We need to examine how Temple Bar will be handled by Government in future. We should also have a debate on the future of the Abbey Theatre. Last night the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr. O'Donoghue, indicated there would be very severe difficulties in developing on the Abbey site. That is a great pity historically, but if it is to be moved, it must be moved to some place on the north side of the city. It should not travel southwards, and the development of the Carlton site should be examined. It would be a superb jewel in the crown of O'Connell Street if we had our historic national theatre right in the centre of a revitalised O'Connell Street plaza.