Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 1

Written Answers. - Physical Education Programme

Michael Ring

Question:

677 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will recognise CDET accredited colleges as centres of excellence in dance training; and if he will provide the means necessary for dance students to receive further education abroad. [11247/02]

Michael Ring

Question:

678 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans for a comprehensive and full dance education system for the training of dancers and choreographers to professional level. [11248/02]

Conor Lenihan

Question:

696 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will examine and review the way in which professional dance training can be assisted by his Department (details supplied). [11318/02]

Nora Owen

Question:

697 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to introduce a comprehensive and full dance education system for the training of dancers and choreographers to professional level here. [11336/02]

Nora Owen

Question:

698 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will recognise dance colleges in the UK which are Council for Dance Education and Training accredited colleges giving training to professional standard; if he will consider providing the means necessary for dance students to receive further education abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11337/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 677, 678 and 696 to 698, inclusive, together.

At present, dance is a component of the physical education programme at primary and post-primary level. In the leaving certificate applied programme dance is a separate element and is formally examined. A number of schools also offer a post leaving certificate course in dance and students can study it up to Further Education and Training Awards Council level 2. At third level, dance is an element of the undergraduate physical education course at the University of Limerick and further post-graduate opportunities are provided for students who wish to pursue study in the area of dance. I have also announced the plans to develop the Irish Academy for the Performing Arts. The academy will initially provide under-graduate and post-graduate training in music, dance and drama. The professional dance education facility will be based at the Institute for Choreography and Dance at Firkin Crane in Cork. The academy will also have a strong research and development arm and a strong continuing professional development role. The development of the academy will be driven forward by the interim governing authority, which I shall be establishing shortly.

As the Deputies may also be aware, the Arts Council has recently published the Arts Plan 2002-2006, which has been endorsed by the Government. This plan contains an objective to improve education and training for dance. My Department has no function in the recognition of the Council for Dance Education and Training accredited colleges based in the United Kingdom. In relation to support available for students studying abroad, in 1996 the student support schemes were extended to provide maintenance grants to undergraduate students pursuing approved third level courses in other EU member states. Prior to this, grants were only payable to students who were pursuing approved courses in the Republic and Northern Ireland. In general, the approved courses in other EU member states are full-time undergraduate courses of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds. I understand the colleges recognised by the Council for Dance Education and Training in the UK are private colleges. They would not come within the scope of the definition of an approved course under the terms of the third level maintenance grant schemes and there are no plans at present to expand the schemes to include courses in private colleges in other EU member states.

Section 21 of the Finance Act 2000, as amended by Section 29 of the Finance Act, 2001, provides for the introduction of tax relief for undergraduate tuition fees paid in colleges outside of Ireland. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from local tax offices.