asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, he has for the wider provision of pre-school education; if he intends to play any direct role in the provision of pre-school education; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pre-School Education.
9.
I would refer the Deputy to the discussion paper, and to the decisions of Government on the Ages for Learning, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
There are no proposals at present to introduce a wider provision of pre-school education under my Department.
The Deputy is, no doubt, aware of the provisions contained in the Children (Care and Protection) Bill 1986, in regard to day-care facilities.
Does the Minister not consider that it would be appropriate for his Department to become directly involved in the provision of pre-school facilities, in view of the known benefits to the intellectual and social development of children of such facilities?
The Deputy is aware that the responsibility of the Minister for Education is to provide for primary education. This is done through the national school system which permits enrolment at four years of age, a year earlier than in other European countries.
Paragraph 1.4 of Ages for Learning recommended that the Department had no proposals to involve themselves in the provision of a formal school based pre-school service as such a service would be extremely expensive. The Government have not accepted the need for such a service which would, in effect, be tantamount to lowering the school entry age.
I am aware that the Government have attempted to implement a proposal to raise the school entry age. Would the Minister not accept that the provision of pre-school facilities for all children would be better than the present ad hoc system whereby only those areas which have the financial or other capacity to provide such a facility for their children effectively ensures that only the better off can avail of pre-school facilities?
That is a matter for discussion. The "Ages for Learning" recommends what I have already quoted. I would point out that the Minister for Health under the Children's (Care and Protection) Bill, 1985, allows for the setting down of standards with regard to registration for day care and pre-school centres which are in operation throughout the country at present.
Would the Minister deal with the point which I made that the effect of allowing the provision of pre-schooling to be handled by voluntary groups effectively means that those who are most in need of pre-schooling are those who do not get it because of lack of finance or whatever other reason?
It is a matter of opinion. The Department do not wish to become involved in pre-schooling because it would be tantamount to lowering the school entry age and would prove quite expensive.