Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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353. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if special funding for a person (details supplied) will be granted; if a special funding scheme to support exceptionally talented young persons under 18 years of age will be investigated, with a view to its introduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17237/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Arts Council is the principal agency through which current funding is channelled to artists and arts organisations. The Arts Council provides funding for a number of bursaries including a Music bursary award to support professional artists to develop their art practice, although I understand that applicants are only eligible to apply for such funding on reaching 18. My Department will however refer the case to the Arts Council for advice.

The National Concert Hall also has a number of competitive bursaries. Relevant in this case is the ‘Young Musicians Award for string players’, which is a fund of €10,000 awarded every second year and which is open to players between the ages of 13 -17. Details of this award may be obtained from the National Concert Hall.

My colleague the Minister for Educational and Skills also operates a number of scholarships and bursaries for students studying abroad and may be aware of supports from which assistance could be provided.