merrion street

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn today addressed Music Education Partnerships participating in Music Generation – the U2 and Ireland Funds’ supported National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network. The Minister confirmed that the Department of Education and Skills will begin funding Music Generation on a phased basis from July next year.

The Minister said:

By 2016, the investment by local Music Education Partnerships and Government is expected to be on a par with the €7m donation from U2 and The Ireland Funds. The Department of Education and Skills will commence funding the initiative on a phased basis from July 2014.

Music Generation is a great example of how when we put our heads together we can deliver really exciting education programmes in new and innovative ways.  The programme, in a relatively short time, has achieved a great deal. Over 5,000 children and young people have participated in the many programmes available throughout the country.

I want, in particular, to acknowledge our philanthropic donors, U2 and The Ireland Funds, and also our diverse range of local partners including local Authorities, VECs, Higher Education Institutes, parents, musicians and schools.