Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will consider bypassing the Arts Council as a means of funding the Abbey Theatre and implement a system whereby the theatre is funded directly from Government; his views on whether the funding of the Abbey Theatre requires urgent review in view of the losses recorded for 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20288/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The governance arrangements for the Abbey Theatre require revision and updating in order to equip the theatre for the very demanding environment in which it must operate. Although I have not yet finalised my consideration of issues arising in connection with future governance structures at the Abbey Theatre, including the need for enhanced accountability for the use of public funds, I am not persuaded, as matters stand, that responsibility for funding the Abbey should be removed from the Arts Council.