Vol. 474 No. 2
79 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education the steps, if any, which will be taken to ensure that both junior and leaving certificate music students will have access to and finance for instrumental tuition in view of the fact that it is part of the current syllabus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2670/97]
Performance forms part of the junior and leaving certificate music programmes. For this option students may choose to play an instrument. The performing activity in schools is class-based. My Department funds these programmes in the same way as other class subjects.
In addition, grants are payable to secondary schools for orchestras and military bands. The system of paying grants and bonuses for these groups is now under review.
