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Fine Gael TD Andrew Doyle  has said that every child in Wicklow  and East Carlow will have access to free tuition in music, drama, art and coding, as part of the ‘Creative Ireland’ initiative.

“’Creative Ireland’ is the Government’s Legacy Programme for Ireland 2016, the year of commemorations. As outlined by Minister Heather Humphreys, Creative Ireland puts culture and creativity at the centre of public policy, which will benefit artists and citizens here in Wicklow, East Carlow  and nationwide.

“One really important part of this initiative is a five year ‘Creative Children’ plan which will enable every child to access free tuition in music, drama, art and computer coding.

“The idea is to ensure that children can participate in the arts from an early age, and it will drive cultural engagement here in Wicklow, East and all across the country. It is an ambitious plan, which would make Ireland the first country in the world to guarantee access for every child to tuition and participation in art, music, drama and coding.  This will be hugely beneficial in terms of giving them a well-rounded and creative education allowing them to express themselves and discover their talents. The inclusion of coding at early years level is a fantastic idea. Minister for Education Richard Burton also wants to introduce coding as a Leaving Cert subject, will help to equip them for the 21^st century and the modern workplace.

“In addition to the ‘Creative Children’ plan, ‘Creative Ireland’ contains ambitious and visionary ideas to develop our cultural and creative capacity as a nation.

“For example, we are going to make Ireland a global hub for film and TV production, something that Wicklow, East could seek to benefit from as we have a lot to offer here in terms of interesting and scenic locations.

“In an important measure to support Irish artists and creatives, the Departments of Arts and Social Protection will also devise pilot scheme to assist self-employed artists who have applied for Jobseekers Allowance.

“The plan commits to investing in our cultural and heritage institutions nationally, but also takes a local approach too. Every Local Authority will appoint a Culture Team to drive local needs. So this will be done here by Wicklow  County Council and they will publish a Culture Plan for the county.

“All in all, this is a very ambitious public policy initiative for the arts and cultural sectors and I will work to ensure that Wicklow and East Carlow  will be an integral part of the plan. I am delighted that all Wicklow children will have the opportunity to benefit from access to free tuition in music, drama, art and coding.”

Minster of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture and Wicklow TD, Andrew Doyle has welcomed the approval of funding to build additional classrooms in primary schools in county Wicklow by the Department of Education.

“It is essential that schools can provide a comfortable and spacious environment to accommodate each and every child.  I am very pleased that funding is being made available for the structural development of Wicklow schools.” said Doyle.

Three Wicklow schools have been approved for funding by the School Building Unit for the building of new classrooms.  Donard National School, St Mary’s Junior National School in Blessington and Nun’s Cross National School, Ashford will receive money for additional accommodation. The schools will receive grant aid to build both mainstream classrooms and SET rooms.

“Fine Gael is committed improving public services like education and enhancing school amenities nationwide.   As a government TD for Wicklow, I will continue to working hard to ensure that schools throughout the county will continue to be improved in order to facilitate the education of young people at both primary and post primary level.”  added Doyle.