Sir, - Comments I made about Dublin's Gaiety Theatre were reported out of context in your editions of December 15th.
In 1997 the Arts Council proposed that the Government develop a major centre for the performing arts as an outcome of its review of opera. This was to provide a new large-scale venue for performing arts companies based on this island, and for international touring.
By contrast, the Gaiety is indeed small, but it plays an enormously important role in the cultural life of the city, as a medium-scale lyric theatre, serving drama, music, opera and dance. It is cherished by the citizens of Dublin, and is a resource for the performing arts in Ireland which must be protected. - Yours, etc., Patricia Quinn,
Director, The Arts Council, Merrion Square, Dublin 2.