Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 628: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the estimated cost of the arts and education report which has been abandoned by him; if there were other, non-cost issues which prevented its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37390/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Report of the Special Committee on the Arts and Education: Points of Alignment was published in 2008 by the Arts Council. Its terms of reference required the committee to take specific account of the fact "that the budgetary resources likely to be available over the next 4 years to the Minister for Education and Science for development of services in the education sector must be allocated to fund existing commitments." Since then the budgetary situation has deteriorated significantly, and there is an imperative to reduce public expenditure in the years ahead.

Chapter 5 of the Report sets out costings for the measures proposed at €3.605m initially per annum, rising to €6.505m.

The arts have a key role to play in our education system, in providing for sensory, emotional, intellectual and creative enrichment and contributing to young people's holistic development and self esteem. The arts help children to respond creatively, to express feelings, attitudes and to interact with others, as well as inculcating an appreciation of beauty and art. They support the development of communication, co-ordination, numeracy, creative skills, social skills, team work and leadership skills, as well as promoting a child's self esteem and enjoyment of learning. They also provide an important vehicle for personal enrichment and cultural expression, as well as creating awareness and respect for other cultures.

My Department invests extensively in arts education through the provision of visual arts, music and drama in the primary curriculum, the Music, Art Craft and Design syllabi at second level, through arts education initiatives for disadvantaged pupils, the provision of some 93 additional full time equivalent teaching posts to VECs for music education, 2 pilot Music Networks initiatives, and through an extensive range of programmes at Post Leaving Certificate and Higher Education levels. The Arts also feature prominently in other subjects such as languages and technology. More recently, in co-operation with Music Network and the Arts Council, and with significant donations from U2 and the Ireland Funds, I have announced a major expansion of music education for young people. This will provide for national expansion of music education partnerships over the years ahead.

The Points of Alignment report highlights the importance of supporting arts in education practice through systematic collaboration between schools and local artists and through visits by schools to arts events and performances. My Department is working closely with the Department of Arts Sport and Tourism to explore how best a synergy can be promoted between in-school activity and the work of other agencies, and how best combined investment can be used to optimum effect within available resources.