Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Ó Fearghaíl made a number of suggestions which I will certainly take on board and have discussed by the implementation group to see if they can fit into its remit. Great progress is being made promoting music in schools. In many cases, it is done by outside agencies and I would like to recognise the work of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, for example, which has a very proactive and successful programme in schools. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has a programme in my local school and all the pupils from second class to sixth class learn how to master instruments, and by sixth class, some of them can master five instruments. That is just an example of how one organisation is having a profound impact on schools. In many counties, there are county schools of music, which are also very effective. There is also what is contained in the education curriculum. Much is happening in regard to music but I agree with the Deputy that it is to be hoped more will happen in future.

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