Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree that there are huge benefits for children who are exposed to the arts. My Department supports Music Network by way of the music capital scheme, whereby instruments can be bought for children. Funding of €210,000 was provided under the scheme in 2016. In many cases, young people and groups might not have the necessary funding to purchase musical instruments and this scheme assists them with the cost. The arts in education charter is very good in that it facilitates artists going into schools. The Deputy is correct. I am anxious that all citizens and young people should obtain access to the arts because there are huge benefits in that. I am aware of that from when I worked in the credit union movement, which runs the well known annual Credit Union Art Competition. It had a special category for children with disabilities. Perhaps that is something we could examine in arts funding. I agree that it must be equality proofed and I will take that up with the Arts Council.

See this speech in context