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

I understand from my experience of teaching how if a school places an emphasis on certain subjects generally they prevail. This can be guided by the principal. However, I must state that just yesterday, I met a delegation from the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, and I will address its conference this year. It has a direct connection with 700 schools in the country and its members are as enthusiastic as I have ever seen with regard to promoting the arts. This includes practitioners throughout the country. If principals are this committed surely it is a very positive sign.