I assure the Deputy the Taoiseach does not intimidate his Ministers; that is not his approach.
With regard to the options and preferences, the Taoiseach made his view known in a recent press statement. When I visited the Abbey last year, initial discussions had taken place on this matter and the Abbey was considering three options related to the existing site. It was not until last August that the other two sites became available and the options and priorities of the board of the National Theatre then changed. From an early stage I made it clear that my preference was that there would a complete refurbishment of the site and a radical approach to addressing the facilities on the existing site.
As the Deputy correctly emphasised, I am sure all of us would acknowledge that this theatre is the national theatre and has wonderful standing not only nationally but internationally. It does not have the facilities to mirror the tremendous talents that exist and the work that has been done in the theatre over the years. It is a 1960s building that needs complete and utter renovation. That is possible on the site.
I have asked the corporation and the Office of Public Works to work in conjunction with the Department to ascertain what facilities are available in the vicinity that could be used to enhance the facilities of the Abbey Theatre. All of these matters are being considered. I hope to have that report from the Office of Public Works in the next few weeks. It has assured me it will be able to deliver the report in that short timeframe. Following receipt of it, I will have all the issues to hand and I will be able to make a considered decision.
I am concerned, however, about the Office of Public Works's report regarding the Grand Canal site, as it does not seem to have the necessary space for the proposals put forward by the board of the National Theatre. All of these matters have to be taken into account.
I thoroughly agree with the Deputy that we need to be able to provide the facilities of which any national theatre would be proud. Sadly, we do not have those facilities at present in the Abbey Theatre.