U2 to give €5m to new music teaching scheme

U2 are to co-fund a new scheme offering Irish children the opportunity to learn to sing or play a musical instrument.

The band have agreed to provide €5m towards the scheme between now and 2015.

The Ireland Funds - a global fundraising organisation - says it will campaign to raise another €2m for the scheme, which will be administered by Music Network - the official body that promotes live music in Ireland.

The money raised will be given to local education authorities to pay for music teachers.