Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 309: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will look favourably on a grant application made by a theatre (details supplied) in County Limerick; the criteria that has to be satisfied to qualify for grant aid; if the application made by the theatre meets the required criteria; and when he will make a decision on the funding. [13571/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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An application for funding was received from this project under the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme II (ACCESS II). This is the successor to the highly successful ACCESS I scheme, introduced in August 2001, under which funding of almost €43 million was allocated to 40 projects nationwide. ACCESS has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of high quality arts and culture infrastructure around the country. Under the new Access Scheme, 70% of the funds will be directed towards the enhancement and/or refurbishment of existing facilities, with 30% available for new facilities.

An independent Selection Committee has just completed its assessment of the applications and has, submitted its report for my consideration. I am currently examining this report and hope to make an announcement regarding the successful applicants shortly.