The present system for funding choirs and orchestras in secondary schools consists of a scheme of grants towards the cost of the purchase and repair of equipment and bonuses payble to schools on the basis of the standard attained by individual schools in the Department's examination for choirs and orchestras.
The conditions for the payment of the equipment grant include the prior notification to the Department of the intention to form an orchestra or military band, vouching of expenditure and the progress made by the school in developing the orchestra or military band being subject to inspection by the Department.
Ninety pounds was paid to three schools in County Donegal during 1996 under the bonus scheme. No application for equipment funding was received during the year.