Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I will not go into any great detail on this issue because it has been discussed somewhat with Deputy Upton's priority question. I would point out that arts in education was a Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism initiative. Apparently, the Minister's predecessor's last word on the subject was that he had referred back to the Arts Council for practical recommendations as to how it should be brought forward. Have those practical recommendations been provided and what steps are envisaged on foot of them?

With our economy perhaps not doing as well as it was, we need formal arts education in our schools not only to grow audiences for the future but to grow independent, creative thinkers, which is essential. As the Minister rightly said, there are some good projects and Creative Engagement was a pilot project. What we need is to have a formal embedded arts programme within the schools. If there is to be progress in this area, it will not come from the Department of Education and Science. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism will have to drive it.

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