Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In terms of Arts in Education, there is a committee chaired by Professor Coolahan. A sub-group has been set up on the Arts Rich Schools programme, which will report to the high level implementation group in the coming months.

The Arts Council will be reporting to the high-level implementation group in the coming months. It is coming forward with some very good suggestions.

The Deputy is very familiar with the arts and education sectors. The Cavan-Monaghan ETB was regarded as having a good working relationship with the arts officers. As the Deputy said, it is a question of two statutory bodies coming together. The organisation was very proactive in Cavan and Monaghan. Other counties could have examined the model, which worked so well there. I am very keen on it. When young people get the chance to experience arts of any kind in school, including primary school, they carry this with them for life. We should be able to impart this to all children.

With regard to arts and education officers, the matter can be examined by the committee. However, I do not want duplication. There are arts officers in the local authorities, heritage officers, museum curators and the ETBs. I want everybody working together. I really do not want duplication. It is important to facilitate artists to go to schools and to spend time with young people. I was at such an event myself in Inver College in Carrickmacross. An artist was brought in and it was tremendous for the pupils to be able to express themselves through painting. We need to build on and progress this.