Abbey theatre funding to remain with Govt

The Arts Council has confirmed that it will continue to channel Government funds to the country's national theatre.

Last month, the Abbey revealed that losses for 2004 were €1.85m which was twice what had been forecast.

There was speculation the Department of the Arts might fund the theatre directly in order to monitor the state of its finances.

However Arts Council chairperson Olive Braiden says that would interfere with the Abbey's independence.

"It's important first of all for the independence of the Abbey and we are the buffer between the Government and the Abbey as well, because of course the ArtsCcouncil has the stamp with the expertise needed to look after the programming of the Abbey in advice etc," she said.