In the programme for Government, there is a clear commitment on the delivery of arts, specifically arts education. Has the Minister's Department had any specific engagement with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on the establishment of the long-promised local arts and education partnerships in education and training boards throughout the country? As the Minister knows, there are only 16 of them so it should not be that difficult to do. Has there been any funding allocated specifically in this regard?

My Department has a number of initiatives in the arts area in conjunction with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The initiatives cover music and other arts. I was very pleased to publish a research report showing the impact of bringing artists into the community and the quality of the engagement of young people with artists. The programmes embedding artists within schools are progressing and we will be expanding them.