Ms Liz Meaney:

I do not have that information to hand. Rather than give a number that is incorrect, I will follow up with the committee with the correct number. I know there are a number of dancers but I cannot give an exact number. It is challenging for us because we are trying to work across the range of artistic disciplines to ensure there is representation of each. The schools are beginning to engage again with their local cultural infrastructure. Some schools will choose to engage mainly in dance and others will choose other art forms. I agree that it is important that all are represented.

One of the real strengths for us from the Creative Schools project is the partnership between the Arts Council and the Department of Education and Skills. This means that artists are being given time in school hours, supported by teachers, to deliver a programme of work. Creative Schools strategies for those schools are being directed by children and young people. Heretofore, we have not been able to do that. It is wonderful to see progression in this way. All of the work that will manifest itself, whether those involved are dancers, audiences or people who will participate in the arts throughout their lives, will come from that. This is a programme we very much want to strengthen and develop further.