Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, to the House. It is appropriate to have these statements on the Abbey Theatre's move. I agree with the viewpoint that the Abbey would be better situated in the centre of Dublin, but I have great sympathy for the viewpoint of the Minister of State and his Department. I happen to know that when a site was selected in Parnell Square not that long ago, it was made impossible for the Department to buy the required site extension. I am fearful of making any move away from what has been decided on the docklands site, although I would have preferred a city centre site. I still believe Dublin city centre could do with another theatre at this time.

A number of points raised in this discussion are worth responding to, particularly the issue of funding. While previous speakers did not say otherwise, I would like to put firmly on record the fact that the Abbey's finances have been put in order by the current board.