Funding arrangements for the Abbey Theatre are to be reviewed, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands told the House. Ms de Valera added that she favoured the theatre remaining at its present location.
She said she was unclear as to the efficacy or relevance of the new funding arrangements for the National Theatre Society Ltd, the National Concert Hall and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), which were introduced by her predecessor.
She was aware, she added, that the National Concert Hall and the IMMA had never been entirely happy with the arrangements.
"In all the circumstances, I propose to re-establish the tripartite discussions between my Department, An Chomhairle Ealaion and the National Theatre Society Ltd to review the funding arrangements, based on experience to date, and to establish the best way to proceed in the future."
Ms de Valera said she also proposed, separately, to seek the views of the National Concert Hall and the IMMA about their experience of the funding arrangements.
"For my own part, I can confirm my view that the National Theatre Society Ltd should be regarded as a national cultural institution."
She favoured retaining the existing building "at its present historic site on Lower Abbey Street."
Ms de Valera said that she would meet the Abbey players' council on December 11th.