Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I welcome this debate which Senators requested for a number of reasons, including the uncertainty in regard to the site, which has been reflected here. The Minister of State said the decision has now been taken. Will he clarify that because there is uncertainty in the media and among Abbey Theatre staff? If there is uncertainty about the site, there are all sorts of implications. However, if the decision has been taken, let us tell everyone and plan appropriately for it rather than talk about O'Connell Street, what might have been the best site, and about the fact O'Connell Street needs a theatre of the standing of the Abbey Theatre.

We asked for a debate because we need to discuss the site and to give the Government our support for this flagship cultural project, which all Senators fully support. Even in these difficult economic times, we want to see this development. The project has great potential. However, I wish to raise some concerns raised by my colleague, Deputy Olivia Mitchell, during the week. I am concerned about the timeframe and about the fact three Ministers have been involved in this project to date, namely, the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy John O'Donoghue, Deputy Séamus Brennan and the Minister, Deputy Martin Cullen. It was also in the 2002 programme for Government. There has been a slow erratic approach to this project and perhaps the Minister of State will explain why that has been the case. What are the barriers and the problems?

We face a new economic situation and there are new tendering rules for the refurbishment of this House. Will these new rules apply to the tendering process for the Abbey Theatre? If so, will that cause further delay? Will the Minister of State make every effort to ensure this international competition, which is an excellent idea and which was part of the prerequisite for the new site, does not mean a delay of several years? He referred to the results of the international competition in some years' time. Was he suggesting the competition will take several years? I would be very concerned if that was the case.

The previous speaker spoke about PPPs, which are running into difficulty. What is the thinking on the PPP for this new development? Will the Minister of State reassure us in respect of those questions and on the funding side? It is really about a decision on funding and timeframe for delivery. That is what everybody involved in the arts cares about as far as the Abbey Theatre site is concerned.

If the site of the theatre is to be in the docklands, there is huge potential there. All one needs to do is to look at the South Bank in London to see the range of cultural institutions brought together there. Although we are focusing on the Abbey Theatre and a potentially wonderful new building which would meet all its needs, we should be also aware of the potential for the docklands site to become a hub for cultural development, whether for film or music. Hopefully, this possibility could be kept in mind for the site in better economic times and when the economy starts to grow again.

I wish to see the development of further links between the Abbey Theatre and communities, especially with schools. I have had direct experience of links between the Abbey and schools through my son, who is an actor. It is critical that there is engagement between the theatre and artistic young people. For too long our education system has not given artistic and creative people opportunities to develop or bring out their talents. Thankfully this has begun to change in recent times with changes in school curricula and the development of new theatres and community arts groups. We have seen more potential and opportunity offered to young people who show a significant interest in the arts in Ireland.

We have seen tremendous talent in acting, music and the whole range of artistic endeavours of which we can be very proud. The Abbey has played a significant role in fostering this talent. I wish to see the Abbey get the necessary resources and the opportunity to develop in the years ahead. It is clear some of our theatres have difficulty surviving at present. While we are delighted to have such a range of theatres in the suburbs of Dublin and throughout the country, many are having difficulties, including financial difficulties. As previous speakers have said, it is clear the Abbey will need ongoing support from Government and the Arts Council.

The Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, has support across the House for this project. We have questions about the timeframe and delivery along with some key questions about the public private partnership. However, this is a project everybody supports and I wish the Minister of State the best of luck in bringing this project to fruition. However, I urge him to be as transparent as possible regarding the design competitions and any barriers he many be facing in the delivery of this project.