Taoiseach Enda Kenny has announced his commitment to long-term music education in Ireland. The Department of Education and Skills are set to continue funding Ireland's National Music Education Programme, Music Generation.

Established in 2010, Music Generation transforms the lives of children and young people around the country, through high quality music education.

“This is extremely positive news for music education in Ireland and a fine example of how partnerships across sectors – local, public, private and philanthropic can deliver long term benefits in different sectors," Enda Kenny said. "This announcement is a further mark of government’s ongoing investment in our children and young people and in the future of our country.”

Joining the Taoiseach for today's announcement was U2's Adam Clayton. U2 donated €2 million towards the programme - €5 million in total - from revenue generated by the band's 2015 iNNOCENCE & eXPERIENCE Dublin concerts.

Adam Calyton spoke about the government's commitment to the music programme. “Five years in and Music Generation is continuing to thrive," he said. It is wonderful to see this further commitment from the government which will bring us closer to achieving the goal of access to music education for every child and young person in Ireland. The support we received at school was very important to us as young musicians, and we are very proud of our part in this programme.”

With the additional funding, Music Generation will be financed till beyond 2020, and will be adding up to nine new areas from around the country to the programme. Also in attendance, was Caitriona Fottrell and Kieran McLoughlin of The Ireland Funds, who contributed €1 million to Music Generation.

National Director of Music Generation, Rosaleen Molloy, said she was "delighted" with today's news. "This support demonstrates Government’s commitment to develop a sustainable and inclusive music education service in Ireland, which will inspire and engage children and young people to participate in active music-making, regardless of socio-economic circumstances or geographical location,” Rosaleen said.