Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)

Will the Minister acknowledge the provision of a dedicated funding channel is necessary for the Arts Council? Will he meet regularly with the Arts Council? With Deputy Boyle, I have met Arts Council representatives regularly and their one constant comment is that the council does not have the moneys to secure performing arts and other art forms to attend schools and enhance the primary and secondary schools curriculum.

The Green Party has announced that if in government, it will provide an additional €10 million from education funding to the Arts Council. Is the Minister prepared to push for this through his Department or in consultations with the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin? The arts play an important role in society in assisting in developing students' creativity which can lead to better, more rounded individuals who will ultimately benefit the economy.

See this speech in context