Written Answers. - Educational Opportunities.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
122
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
if he will consider introducing a comprehensive and full dance education system for training Irish dancers and choreographers to professional level here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22821/02]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
123
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
if he will ensure that colleges (details supplied) are recognised; and if he will secure and provide funding in order that, in the absence of comparable dance training here, dance students can receive further education abroad.
[22822/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.
At present, dance is a component of the physical education programme at primary and post-primary level and is taught as an element of the physical education programme. 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 postgraduate opportunities are provided for students who wish to pursue study in the area of dance. Furthermore, in this academic year, the University of Limerick has commenced a BA in Irish music and dance which provides undergraduate dance training. I understand 13 students are enrolled on this programme for the year 2002-03.
As the Deputy may be aware, in December 1999, the Government approved the establishment of an academy for the performing arts, to include an undergraduate professional dance facility. An interim governing authority is in place to drive forward the establishment of the academy. The governing authority has met on three occasions in April, July, and October of this year. Activities so far have included an ongoing process of fact finding and research towards the development of the academy's future direction. This process has included appropriate consultation and research into best practice abroad by means of establishing contact and meeting representatives of similar institutions in other countries.
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 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in other EU member states. Further details and conditions in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
