The leader of the Seanad, Mr Donie Cassidy, said his party's members in the House supported calls for the retention of the Abbey Theatre on the north side.
The proposal to move the theatre would be a retrograde step. Those opposing the suggested relocation would have the backing of Fianna Fail senators.
Mr David Norris (Ind) referred to yesterday's announcement by the Abbey board that it wished to move to the Grand Canal Docks site. "Those responsible for the Grand Canal Docks development have indicated that they regard the Abbey Theatre's proposed move as significant because it will provide their project with a cultural anchor. Should £80 million of taxpayers' money be spent on providing a cultural anchor on the south side which will have a negative impact on the north side and move a significant cultural asset out of the Taoiseach's constituency?"