Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I concur with Deputy Keaveney's comments on the importance of music and the arts in general. Does the Minister accept that while music is a central part of the curriculum at second and primary levels, it is frequently treated as a second rate subject and its development is not taken seriously? Does she intend to invest more in music and the arts at primary and second levels? Does she agree that music is important in the development of the person and society? Children involved in the arts and music learn teamwork. Many schools over-emphasise sports and do not sufficiently focus on children who have little interest in sport. In so doing, they overlook the fact that schools which take a balanced approach to the arts, music and sport and incorporate all of them in their ethos will be happy, contented and stable and will experience less aggression.

Another issue which is often overlooked, particularly in disadvantaged schools, is the role of music and the arts in the teaching of language and literacy. Many children who experience literacy problems or difficulty in achieving reading ages, frequently as a result of barriers or problems at home, are taught to read through the medium of song and poetry. Good teachers use music to teach literacy and reading and develop language skills, an approach now widely used in disadvantaged schools.

Music and the arts can be used in a positive manner to tackle aggression and disruption by pupils. I again emphasise the use of art therapy in disadvantaged schools where it has benefited children who came from violent and dysfunctional families. I ask the Minister to consider long-term investment in music and the arts in all schools.

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