THE Fianna Fail spokesperson on Arts, Culture and Heritage, Sile de Valera, has called for the establishment of a National Conservatoire for music and the performing arts, as a fitting way of marking the new millennium. "Ireland is the only country in the EU which does not have a National Conservatoire for music, she says, "and despite our national pride in the Irish theatrical tradition, there is no national academy for stagecraft of acting."

This forces much talent to leave the country, as young people go abroad to train, and forge links which allow them to stay on in the country in which they have trained, she contends, and adds: "Some estimates say this national centre could be established for about £5 million."

De Valera proposes that as UCD has decided, in principle, to move out of its premises in Earlsfort Terrace, this building could host the Conservatoire; the National Concert Hall is already there. The Conservatoire could have departments for a range of music genres, as well as a conducting course, and perhaps training for opera singers, as well as a range of drama courses.

She quotes this year's PIANO report on music, which called for a National Conservatoire and an Irish Academy of the Performing Arts, and concludes: "I believe this is a positive recommendation that should be acted upon."