b'a future assuredThe Irish Government Commits to Carrying On Music GenerationWe are absolutely delighted that In January of 2013, The Irish Governmentannounced that it will the Department of Education and continue to support Music Generation after the pilot phase, funded byU2andTheIrelandFundsconcludes.Thisisamilestonethat Skills has committed to the long assures the projects future. Education Minister Ruairi Quinn said that term funding of this brilliant Music by 2016, the investment by local music education partnerships and Government is expected to be on a par with the 7m donation from U2Generation scheme. The response and The Ireland Funds that launched the program. With the program has been incredible, with over already active in Cork City, Laois, Louth, Mayo, Sligo and Wicklow andnow being extended to Carlow, Limerick City, Offaly and Westmeath, the5,000 children and young people reachoftheprogramhasextendedtoover5,000youngpeople. The Ireland Funds salute the Governments decision to continue and getting music lessons.It is a source further extend the program to every county in Ireland. It is a great of pride for U2 that along with The endorsementofMusicGenerationandofthepowerofprivate philanthropy to seed and develop projects to the point where they areIreland Funds, we were able to keep proven and ready for public support.it going after government cut backsput it in jeopardy in 2009.The Edge"Music Generation is a great example of how when we put ourheads together we can deliver reallyexciting education programmes innew and innovative ways.The programme, in a relativelyshort time, has achieved a greatdeal. Over 5,000 children andyoung people have participated inthe many programmes availablethroughout the country. I want, inparticular, to acknowledge ourphilanthropic donors, U2 and TheIreland Funds, and also our diverserange of local partners includinglocal Authorities, VECs, Higher Education Institutes, parents, musicians and schools." Education Minister Ruairi Quinnconnect 2013 | 47'