Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Tourism; Culture and Sport in view of the achievement of a group of Irish teenagers being awarded the title Most Promising Young Artists, in the International Experimenta! Exhibition as part of Tailinn, Estonia's programme as European City of Culture, if he will publish a policy in relation to young persons and the arts in the next 12 months in the context of reduced funding and resources; and if so, his plans to consult with the sector in relation to this policy. [10943/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I take this opportunity to congratulate this group of ten secondary school students from Kilkenny on winning this Most Promising Young Artists award. This project, curated I understand by County Sligo based arts practice, the Kids' Own publishing partnership, emerged a winner from 13 other European entries, as part of the Tallinn Capital of Culture programme in Estonia. This award represents the culmination of a series of initiatives, as well as imagination and commitment on the parts not only of the students but also of a number of agencies, artists and administrators in the youth and arts sectors.

I describe this as a culmination, as I understand the project originated from an artist-in-residence programme undertaken by the arts office in Kilkenny County Council. The artist engaged by the arts office undertook to work with this group of interested young people over a period of weeks, resulting in the production of this fine short-stop animation project. This outcome would have been satisfactory in itself, in that it allowed this set of students the opportunity to explore and develop their talents and produce a tangible result. However, as so often occurs within the arts sector, the project took on another life with its inclusion as part of the Irish entry to the Estonian Capital of Culture programme whereby the Kilkenny students became part of the 56-member party of young Irish people which formed the Irish exposition entry. Again I pay tribute to all those involved. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sé.

The Arts Council has developed and continues to implement its strategy and policies in relation to the engagement of and contribution by young people in the arts sector. The wider context for Arts Council support of young people, children and education in 2011-13 is set out in its strategic overview document, Developing the Arts in Ireland 2011-2013, produced last year.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

The Arts Council outlined its work in that document, setting out the key strategic principles that will inform its funding and other decisions, including in the area of young people and the arts over the next few years. This principle includes the provision of high quality arts experiences for young people, both in and out of school, as being an abiding concern of the Arts Council. The council is acutely aware of the high proportion of young people in our population and their developmental significance carries weight in its funding decisions and in its partnerships in the fields of arts-in-education, youth arts, and professional arts provision for young audiences. During 2011-13, the council will endeavour to make the arts more present in the lives of nearly 1 million young people, having regard to the available resources.

I am also anxious that the potential of the arts be recognised and nurtured in the formation of character, in the raising of self-esteem and in the enormous benefits to be derived for young people, now and into the future. In this regard, I will explore with the council, other interested agencies and my Government colleagues, ways of maximising the potential of the arts and other related areas to the benefit of our young people.

On a lighter note, I wish our young hopefuls, Jedward, every success in the Eurovision Song Contest in Dusseldorf this week-end.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Ar an chéad dul síos ba mhaith liom mo chomhgairdeas a gabháil don Aire in a phost nua agus tá súil agam go mbeidh séábalta teacht go dtí Tiobraid Árann i rith an tsamhraidh. I am delighted with the Minister's answer. Does he intend to publish a policy within the next 12 months on young people and the arts in the context of reduced funding? I hope he will be able to do so. I am delighted there are two schools in the Visitors Gallery today, including the Presentation Convent in Kilmallock. Tá fáilte rompu go léir. These pupils are also very artistic and recently won some awards for their fashion show. I am delighted they are in the House.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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A question, Deputy.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Does the Minister intend to have a consultation or to publish a policy document in the next 12 months in this regard? It is very important. Some Members heard speakers today discussing depression. In addition, opportunities may arise in regard to the Minister's two schemes.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I thank Deputy McGrath who obviously has an interest in this area. The Arts Council has a number of schemes and initiatives which I shall mention in brief, namely, the children's laureate or laureate na n-óg, the artists in schools schemes which is administered by the Arts Council and local authorities, the writers in schools schemes, administered by Poetry Ireland, the artists in work residencies scheme, administered with the National Youth Council of Ireland, the youth arts development award, with the National Youth Council of Ireland and the artists in the community scheme. There are a number of schemes directed at young people but we must do more. I have had discussions with the Minister for Education and Skills about promoting the arts in both primary and secondary schools. I am glad there are young people in the Gallery. If there is one thing young people can engage with it is the arts.

There is also a major concern about the syllabus for the leaving certificate. The reason not many young people take up art for the exam is that the syllabus is entirely outdated, having been in place since 1971. That must be examined with the aim of encouraging young people to take up art as a subject for the leaving certificate.

These are the two issues: the arts as a subject in schools young people would be encouraged to take and participation in the arts by young people for their enjoyment in schools but not as a subject.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I compliment the Minister and thank him for his interest in this topic. I look forward to engaging with him in the future.