Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 June 2013
148. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will consider amending the arts in education charter to include youth services in disadvantaged areas that cater for early school leavers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29914/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Arts in Education Charter places new responsibilities on Government Departments, agencies, cultural institutions and arts organisations in terms of providing and promoting arts education to children and young people.
The practical impact of this Charter will result in a more joined-up Government approach across Departments, education agencies and arts organisations. The Charter will require groups like the Arts Council, the National Cultural Institutions, the Colleges of Education and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to work with both my own Department and the Department of Education and Skills in order to bring the arts into the classroom and school children into the arts and culture sector.
A High Level Implementation Group will oversee the implementation of the Charter and will report to the Minister of Education and Skills and myself at least twice a year. The Implementation Group may also advise on updating and improving the Charter and will provide a strategic, high-level and ongoing point of contact between the policy-makers, key providers and students in the fields of arts and education.
It is not envisaged that either Department will seek additional resources specifically for the implementation of the Arts in Education Charter rather we will work to leverage the maximum from existing resources.
More details of this initiative can be obtained on my Department's website under the Projects and Programmes link listed under
http://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/Arts/ProjectsandProgrammes/ArtsInEducation/
