Changes agreed as curtain comes down on Abbey meeting

The Advisory Council of the Abbey Theatre have voted to accept new governance proposals changing the way the theatre is run.

The move follows the financial crisis at the theatre, which sustained losses of €1.85m last year.

Today the 21-member Advisory Committee voted on resolutions that will enable changes to the structure and governance of the theatre. This will change the company structure and the way the board is selected.

Minister for the Arts John O'Donoghue welcomed the decision today.

"The new arrangements will allow the Abbey to go forward with confidence, to take its place at the forefront of Irish Theatre, and to redefine the place that a National Theatre can play in the cultural life of a nation," Minister O'Donoghue said.