Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Feb 1994

Vol. 439 No. 3

Written Answers. - Youth Arts Development.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

124 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the plans, if any, he has for the development of youth arts; and the amount of money allocated to this sphere by his Department in the years 1991 and 1992.

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

I consider the nurturing of an interest in arts and culture among young people to be of primary importance.

The Deputy will be aware that I was delighted to launch in 1993 the "Making Youth Arts Work" report — a report prepared by An Comhairle Ealaíon. Arising from the recommendations of that report, An Chomhairle has allocated an additional £40,000 of its Education Budget to facilitate the appointment of Youth Arts Development Officers in the National Youth Council of Ireland, the Dance Council of Ireland, the National Association of Youth Drama and Music Base. An Chomhairle has also established a working party with the Youth Affairs Section of the Department of Education in order to progress the implementation of all the recommendations of the report.

The Deputy may also be aware that I have asked An Comhairle Ealaíon to prepare a Three-Year Plan for the Arts in Ireland and as part of that report I look forward to receiving their analysis as to how best to assist the development of Youth Arts. An Chomhairle is already doing good work in this area and in addition to its back up services and advice it provided grants amounting to £71,600 in 1991 and £84,800 in 1992 to groups working in this area.