Vol. 511 No. 3
363 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance his Department makes available to schools for the purchase of pianos; and the other funding sources, if any, among public, private or voluntary sector bodies which would support in undertaking initiatives in this area. [24048/99]
When equipping a music room in a post-primary school, a piano is provided. Additionally, the following grants are available for instrumental music in schools: an orchestra or military band taking the special examination for choirs, orchestras and military bands for the first time attracts a grant not exceeding 60 per cent of the costs or £225 maximum; a grant for maintenance of instruments is available at £3 per instrument; a capital grant of £75, £150 and £225 depending on the type of orchestra is available for the purchase of instruments.
In the vocational sector, a number of committees organise music classes, including piano lessons, for pupils in their areas. These include the City of Dublin VEC at Kylemore College, the County Cork VEC at centres throughout the county and the Limerick VEC at the Limerick School of Music. Third level colleges such as the Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama and the Cork Institute of Technology School of Music, provide tuition in piano for students, including some from first – and second level education. In these cases, a good to excellent range of pianos is made available.
