Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004
470 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the report of the Arts Council, A Professional Dance Curriculum for Ireland; the steps she intends to take in view of this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27104/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the report, A Professional Curriculum for Dance, published by the Arts Council in August 2004. It recommends the establishment of a curriculum providing academic studies and vocational training in ballet and contemporary dance for pupils in the 12-18/19 age group, and which would provide progression to a higher education Irish national diploma of dance. The proposal envisages a heavy load for students of 35 to 37 hours study per week, between dance and academic studies. My Department does not consider that it is a priority to establish a specialised dance school for this age group.
The primary objective of second level education is to ensure that students receive a broadly based education which balances their schooling with social and leisure time, enables young people to make the transition through adolescence to adulthood, prepares them for social and economic participation, and equips them for entry to a range of career options. My Department would have concerns with the model proposed in terms of plans to reduce the period of time spent on "academic studies" to a level of 20 hours per week, and in regard to the heavy combined workload proposed for pupils who are still at a young age.
In addition, it would be important to establish the level of demand which exists in Ireland for such a service for this age group.
