Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will establish a special committee to examine the role of the arts in both primary and post-primary schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8271/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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Giving the arts a higher, more consistent profile at both primary and second level can not only benefit the arts but also bring significant benefits to the students concerned, which will stay with them all of their lives. It is important also to stress that this applies to all students, and not just to those who are recognised as being particularly gifted artistically.

Every parent in the country wants their children to be creative and imaginative, and to express that creativity and imagination as best they can. Because the future of the arts in Ireland rests with our children, it is vital that the arts are embedded into our education system at a fundamental level, beginning at primary and pre-primary level, and continuing on from there. I have always believed that the benefits of the arts for the individual are greatly increased if exposure to the arts takes place during a person's most formative years, and for that reason it is a real priority of mine to enhance the position of the arts in our education system.

Clearly, an issue of this priority merits the focused consideration that a special committee, established under the Arts Act 2003, can bring to bear. I have already announced my intention to establish such a committee. My Department is currently in consultation with the Department of Education and Science about this committee and its terms of reference and I expect to make a further announcement on the matter shortly.

An arts and education committee will make recommendations on the actions, not words, that are needed to achieve this. I will be calling on the Arts Council, our colleagues in the Department of Education and Science, teachers, parents and our arts community to join me in tackling once and for all this important task.