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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 31 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 9

Cesiteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pre-School Services.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

15 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education if he has any plans to introduce a State-funded nationwide pre-school system of education as part of national schooling to be conducted by trained teachers and with a relevant curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have no plans to develop pre-school services on a nationwide basis along the lines suggested by the Deputy. Since children are entitled to enter school from the age of four years, much of what is considered pre-schooling in other countries is already incorporated in the primary school system in Ireland.

The Primary Education Review Body recommended that more pressing areas of concern affecting the quality of education provision from age four to age 12 years plus be given priority over a general system of pre-schooling for children aged four and I am in agreement with that view.

Further comments on this matter will be contained in the forthcoming Green Paper.

Would the Minister not agree that many children entering the formal education system at present are very deficient in terms of verbal skills, social skills and general preparedness for school and that resources should be provided for proper pre-school facilities? The Minister should bear in mind that in terms of language skills, the ability of a child to learn a language declines from the age of five years onwards. I believe a large number of children entering the formal educational system are sadly deficient in verbal skills and they will never make up the ground they have lost during their initial years because they come from a socially deprived background. If we do not address this issue it will be to our loss in the future.

By continental standards we have a pre-school system. Most continental children do not go to school until they are six years while in Ireland some 65 per cent of four year olds and almost 100 per cent of five year olds attend school. In effect, this is pre-schooling because the compulsory school age is six years.

With regard to schooling for younger children, I would be happy to encourage the use of school buildings by local groups or private organisations who want to engage in pre-school activities. However, I cannot undertake, nor would I be in favour of, providing state funding for that exercise.

Would the Minister not agree that such a provision would merely be an ad hoc response and that what is really needed is a properly structured curriculum with trained teachers in charge? Otherwise, these facilities would only be provided in certain areas and would not be available for the vast number of children — unfortunately this number is growing — who are not being provided for. I do not agree with the Minister's views as regards the age at which children enter school. We must provide proper pre-school facilities——

Brevity, please.

——on a formal basis with a relevant school curriculum and trained teachers.

I want to dispose of the last remaining Priority Question, if I can.

I believe the Deputy can make a case about children in disadvantaged areas — I would be interested in examining this — where basic skills should be taught to children of three and four years. We should address the issue of disadvantaged at that stage. I would not be in favour at this stage on embarking on a nationwide scheme of pre-schooling because 65 per cent of four year olds already go to school.

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