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

Regarding the local arts in education partnership, the Arts Council has got additional funding and it is now taking the lead in rolling out the actions in the arts in education charter. That came about as a result of that charter. It was a very useful pilot in Monaghan, and the Deputy is very familiar with it, which highlighted the benefits of working together. However, having succeeded in getting the significant additional resources for the Arts Council, it is clear that the best way to deliver the charter is for the Arts Council to work with the education centres and all the providers who support teachers across the spectrum. The wider ambition is the Creative Ireland initiative, and I want children to have access to tuition and participation in arts. By 2022, every child in the country should have access to that because we know that when children have access to the arts, it is good for their self-esteem and good for them in the longer term. They are more creative and open-minded, and they perform better at school. There is a big focus on that, and it is very important.

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