Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I wish to reiterate what Deputy Upton said. Many people have made representations to me concerning the report and are anxious that something positive should emerge. This is an enormously exciting area. Improving access and bringing arts in education to the whole country and all levels of society is very important. Every child should be exposed to the arts. I have had some experience of the artists in residence and writers in residence programmes, which are enormously beneficial and extremely popular in schools. I hope the necessary funding will be provided and a conclusion on the report reached as quickly as possible.

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