asked the Minister for Education if any support will be forthcoming from central funds to help those national teachers in the Dublin area who have voluntarily established pre-school classes for very young children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pre-school Classes.
45.
Mr. R. Burke
I have no information in regard to the pre-school classes to which the Deputy refers.
The question of pre-school education will be examined in my Department in the light of experience gained from the Rutland Street project in Dublin, pre-school education being one of the activities covered by the project. Pending the outcome of that appraisal, I could not give any definite indication in regard to the allocation of State funds for pre-school education.
The Minister, in his reply, mentioned one area but is he aware that there are two pre-school centres in Ballyfermot which could use assistance? Will the Minister look at these centres before he makes his decision?
Mr. R. Burke
Certainly, I would welcome any information the Deputy can give me in this regard.
Could the Minister say when that project began and when it will have run long enough for him to make his judgment?
Mr. R. Burke
It ends in the summer of 1974 and it has been a five year project.