Vol. 548 No. 2
438 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in developing a proposal to establish the Artane School of Music to develop the range and scope of qualifications offered in order that it would become an academy for developing and progressing musical talent. [4408/02]
My Department provided a grant of €38,000 in 1999 and €44,500 in 2001 to the Artane School of Music from national lottery funding allocated to support cultural organisations. Prior to that, my Department agreed the secondment of a teacher to the school to act as administrator for a five year period from 1992 to 1997 and again in 1998. The grants in 1999 and 2001 were provided towards the general running costs of the organisation, which includes the employment of an administrator, a musical director, and other teaching staff.
The Artane School of Music offers a range of musical tuition for its students, including the tuition for the junior and leaving certificate music programme and associated board exams. It has also developed activities for adults and took its first enrolment of girls in 1999. The school has produced a music development programme that is currently being considered by my Department.
