Vol. 568 No. 1
115 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether money spent on early interventions at primary and pre-primary school level, particularly on music programmes, can yield savings on special supports at later ages; and if his attention has been drawn to the positive studies, particularly in the USA, on this subject. [15543/03]
In general terms, the existing empirical evidence does not allow us to determine whether money spent on early interventions at primary and pre-primary school level can yield savings on special support at later ages. However, the studies to which the Deputy refers do provide evidence that early intervention programmes in the arts can and do serve as an agent of change in learning.
Qualitative studies have highlighted repeatedly that the arts, including music programmes, provide opportunities for learning, enabling young people to reach for and attain higher levels of achievement. One of the critical findings of such research is that learning in and through the arts can help "level the playing field" for young people from disadvantaged circumstances. Research clearly shows that engagement in the arts nurtures the development of cognitive, social and personal competencies.
