§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Belfast school of music has (a) a collection of Irish music in score form, (b) a collection of Irish traditional songs in English and Gaelic and (c) recorded material of a similar nature that would be useful to schools.
§ Mr. Scott(a) Yes; (b) yes; (c) the teachers' reference library has recorded Irish dance and traditional music.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether Irish traditional music and song feature as material in the performances of the orchestras, bands and choirs which meet weekly under the aegis of the Belfast school of music.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what attempts are being made to develop suitable teaching materials for Irish traditional music as an element in the music curriculum of the Belfast school of music; and what Government grants have been made available for that purpose.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of the five full-time general musicianship specialists in the Belfast school of music have expertise in Irish traditional music; how many of the school's 13 full-time instrumental musicians cater for traditional instruments and traditional Irish music; how many part-time teachers from the school cater for Irish traditional music; and whether Irish traditional music features in the tuition curriculum of the Belfast school of music.
§ Mr. ScottInformation on particular skills of teachers is not kept centrally, but none were appointed specifically to cater for Irish traditional music, which does not feature as a separate curriculum subject.