Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Míle buíochas. Bhí sé sin an-suimiúil ar fad. The presentation was very clear.

Sometimes in Ireland we focus on all of the negative and difficult stuff and the stuff that does not work. Often in Ireland we have some serious successes that slip by very quietly and under the radar. It is clear from this discussion that there are some serious successes in Irish society. On behalf of the committee, I thank the delegations for all of the work that they have done. I guarantee that their work is very much appreciated. The benefits of the activities that they are involved in, which Mr. Keenan has referred to in his statement, are unparalleled in terms of the children's development and improvement in cognitive and social skills, as well as their appreciation of music.

On the flipside, there is bleak analysis on the state of play in Ireland today. This committee want to analyse the situation to better comprehend it and formulate policies to rectify the situation. I believe that every child in this country has a fundamental right to experience music tuition and express him or herself in that fashion.

Have the delegations engaged with the Department to develop a music tuition policy? There are a couple of key elements involve but policy is the first element. Has a policy been developed? Earlier Ms Molloy mentioned that the Taoiseach has recently launched a new Government policy. What is the up-to-date position in terms of the policy for all children to receive music tuition? Perhaps Ms Molloy will respond first.