Fiach MacConghail (Independent)

Go raibh maith agat. Students who engage in the arts at school are twice as likely to volunteer and are 20% more likely to vote as young adults. That is the fifth key finding from this report.

It is evident that the arts can play a very important role in realising these objectives as set out by the Minister and the NCCA's report, which is a role that has been underutilised until now. I note with concern that drama is not mentioned as a subject in the new junior certificate curriculum. It is examined in the short term in terms of performing, but not as a particular subject. Arts and crafts are specified as a particular subject, but not drama. Drama and the arts can support the learning of other subjects too.

Will arts education specialists be part of the planning process for the new junior cycle? The arts have the potential to make an enormous contribution to the new system.

International research and work currently being carried out in Ireland demonstrates how exposure to film, drama, visual arts and literature can support literacy, independent critical thought and creativity, all of which have been identified by the Minister and the NCCA as the main targets of education reform. The arts present a very exciting opportunity to help realise these objectives, but in order to achieve this, greater links need to be made between the Department of Education and Skills and the arts sector. I understand that officials from the Department of Education and Skills and officials from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht either have met or are set to meet. I would like to see how those skills might be exchanged, particularly in cultural organisations in this country, such as the Ark, the education departments of the Irish Film Institute and IMMA, and Music Network. The Irish Chamber Orchestra in Limerick is doing great work and is modelled on the experience of what is going on in Stirling in Scotland and El Sistema orchestrain Venezuela. Music is used to retain attendance in school and helps support the other elements of the curriculum.