Vol. 556 No. 2
73 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the submission from the Forum for Music in Ireland of March 2001; the status of the recommendations contained in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19641/02]
I am aware of the submission on music in the primary school on behalf of the Forum for Music in Ireland, March 2001, and the extensive range of recommendations contained therein for the improvement of music in the primary school. I note, in particular, the importance placed by the forum on music in the primary school and its welcome for the music section of the primary curriculum 1999.
In November 2001, my Department availed of an opportunity offered by the forum at a plenary meeting of its members to respond in some detail to the submission and to its recommendations. Many of the forum's recommendations are dealt with in the content objectives of the new music curriculum, in the very comprehensive teacher guidelines that accompany the curriculum, and in ongoing initiatives by my Department and its agencies.
Support for schools and teachers is now a key element in the implementation of curricula. My Department will support the implementation of the music curriculum through the provision of in-service for teachers. The in-career development unit of my Department also continues to support other training initiatives from schools and teacher groups in the area of music education.
