Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

I understood that the report was to be published in May 2007 and hoped information would be available by now on the outcome. With regard to arts in education in general, like many other aspects of the economy, those schools in disadvantaged areas are least likely to have the supports needed to promote the arts within the school. The Minister referred earlier to the therapeutic value of sport and I am sure he would agree that the therapeutic value of art for many children is extremely important. Art also provides children with an additional skill. In more advantaged areas parents are often able to provide the necessary backup and financial resources for arts education. It is extremely important that there is a positive outcome on foot of the report and that it should be directed specifically towards disadvantaged schools, where often arts education is delivered in a very ad hoc manner. In some schools there is a teacher who is very committed and enthusiastic and has time to devote to the arts. In others the capacity will simply not exist. In that context, arts education must be underpinned by a financial commitment.

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