Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 24: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to stimulate Irish language theatre and to rebuild the national Irish language theatre An Taibhdhearc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16489/11]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

At the outset, I wish to acknowledge the important work undertaken by Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe, as the national Irish language theatre, in promoting Irish language theatre. Since its establishment in 1928, An Taibhdhearc has been a pioneering force that has contributed to the theatrical tradition in Ireland through the numerous Irish language plays produced in An Taibhdhearc itself and throughout the country.

It has always been a fundamental objective of An Taibhdhearc to develop and promote plays in Irish through the provision of a platform for new dramas produced professionally. In addition, An Taibhdhearc supports and nurtures a positive environment for the Irish language theatrical arts by providing high quality training opportunities to young people in the theatre.

With regard to the provision of funding for refurbishment works to Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I recently announced that it has been agreed in principle that funding of €300,000 will be provided by my Department to An Taibhdhearc, over a period of two years, to enable it to carry out these refurbishment works. A meeting between the Board of An Taibhdhearc and officials from my Department will be held shortly to progress this matter. In addition to this funding, my Department also provides an annual grant to An Taibhdhearc to assist administration costs. The amount being provided in 2011 is €323,920.

The 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language lays out a comprehensive strategy for the preservation and promotion of the Irish language. As outlined in that Strategy, it is proposed that all Irish language initiatives with a specific arts remit, to include drama and traditional arts, will be planned and developed as part of an integral arts strategy between my Department and the Arts Council.