Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2018
78. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made in meeting the target in the Creative Ireland programme that, by 2022, every child would have access to tuition in music, drama, coding and art; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39810/18]
View answerThe Creative Youth Plan, which I launched last December 2017, seeks to ensure that every child in Ireland has practical access to tuition, experience and participation in music, drama, art and coding by 2022.
The actions in the Creative Youth Plan extend to both the formal and non-formal education sectors and are being delivered by my Department, the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Arts Council.
The Creative Schools pilot project for 150 schools is now up and running. Training has been provided for the Creative Associates who will work with the 150 schools during 2018-2019. It is envisaged that these plans will cover a wide range of creative activities for children and young people which could potentially include drama, visual arts, literature, poetry, film, coding and other activities.
Music Generation is moving into Phase 2 of their expansion and it is hoped that nationwide expansion will take place during the lifetime of the Creative Ireland Programme, enabling increased access to music tuition for children and young people.
The Department of Education and Skills are continuing to progress the availability of coding at both primary and post primary levels. At post primary level, a short course has been developed in coding for Junior Cycle and is available for all schools to offer. The first phase of Leaving Certificate Computer Science is underway with 40 schools offering the subject.
Plans are being examined with key stakeholders for the expansion of the youth theatre provision across the country and other important initiatives are being developed and piloted such as the Pilot Creative Youth Partnership initiative which was launched during the summer and the recently announced outcome of the Creative Clusters initiative.
We are continuing to invest in Continued Professional Development (CPD) for teachers and for artists working in partnership with teachers which is crucial to the long-term success and sustainability of the overall plan.
Cruinniú na nÓg – the first national day of creativity for children and young people took place on 23rd June saw over 500 events right across the country.
The Creative Youth Plan is ambitious and ever developing. I hope that by 2022, it will have touched the lives of every child and young person in Ireland.
