Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 364: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32441/07]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 365: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the establishment of a national literary centre in Dublin in order to provide a rent free base for the various literary institutes in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32469/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 365 together.

I note from the correspondence referred to in Question No. 364 that Cork City Council has provided rent-free accommodation to the Munster Literature Centre and I compliment the City Council on its initiative in this regard.

The only literary centre project that is currently under consideration in my Department is the establishment of a Museum of Irish Literature in Parnell Square. This is a commitment in the Programme for Government.

Preliminary discussions were held between my Department and Dublin City Council on how to progress the proposed Museum of Irish Literature. It was agreed that a Steering Committee would be established to progress the project. My Department has written to the relevant bodies seeking their nominations for the Steering Committee and is awaiting replies. The Steering Committee will be chaired by my Department.