Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

There is a proven link between music and left hemisphere development in the brain, which is the side on which the reasoning function is located. It is important, therefore, that children are exposed to appropriate influences when the brain is developing. The House should have a discussion on the fundamental value of music to early education. The greater use of music in early education could result in parents no longer resorting to sending their children to grinds, a practice which has been shown not to work by a recent report. In addition, we would have more rounded students who would have social outlets other than spending an increasing amount of time on the so-called three Rs. This is a pertinent issue.

If the Senators who are laughing are so misguided about the role of music and brain development that they find the issue amusing, I suggest they start researching the subject.