Culture, Heritage & Gaeltacht Committee to discuss Arts and Education

Cathaoirleach of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Peadar Tóibín TD said: “The Committee is embarking on a series of hearings in relation to the arts in society. Tomorrow, we will focus on the Arts and education when we will meet with representatives from National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, Creative Ireland/Arts in Education Charter, Encountering the Arts Ireland, National Director for the Integration of the Arts in Education and the Arts Council.

“In the past, the Arts were often undervalued and regarded as being of less value than other subjects.  However, it is now recognised that exposure to the Arts in learning is central to the development of many life skills, including creativity, creative thinking, harnessing the full value of modern technology, confidence, motor skills, co-operation and communication to name a few. It is important that education in the Arts is an essential component of the education system itself and that all aspects of education benefit from the practice, understanding and appreciation of both the arts and creativity.”

This meeting will start at 1.30pm on Wednesday 14 February 2018 in Committee Room 4, Leinster House. Committee proceedings can be viewed live here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.