§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what efforts are being made by the Department of Education and what funding is available to develop the teaching and study of Irish traditional music and song in colleges of education, universities and other third level institutions in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ScottThere is no specific funding for the development of the teaching of Irish traditional music and song. Some aspects of traditional music already form part of the curriculum (formal or informal) of the colleges of education and other institutions, but are not subject to special promotion.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what practical steps Her Majesty's Government intend to take to ensure the recognition of the Irish dimension in music and other aspects of education in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ScottCurriculum matters are the responsibility of head teachers and school authorities. There is I understand482W already significant recognition of the Irish dimension in many schools —by study of the Irish language, Irish studies and history, and in other activities.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many in-service courses promoted by, or recognised by the Department of Education in Northern Ireland have dealt with the teaching of Irish traditional music and song in the past year.
§ Mr. ScottNo courses over the past year specifically met this description although some courses may have included aspects of this activity.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Department of Education for Northern Ireland intends to investigate the possibilities of developing the primary Irish traditional music project in Derry as a support for the teaching of music in Northern Ireland Schools.
§ Mr. ScottThe Department of Education has not been involved in this project. However, any information of interest that becomes available will be drawn to the attention of the school authorities.