Liz McManus
Question:22 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education when the planning of the pre-school projects which she has announced, will be completed; when such projects will commence operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pre-School Projects.
I would anticipate planning of the pre-school projects to be completed early in the coming year and the projects to commence operation shortly afterwards.
It is my intention that the projects be located in areas of particular disadvantage and that they make use of a developmental approach, by qualified teachers and with the active co-operation of parents, to the needs of very young children.
Planning work is at present examining whether the projects should be linked into a broad integrated programme of measures for areas of particular disadvantage. It will enhance the contribution of the projects to improving the situation in such areas if they can be developed as part of a wider approach to the solution of difficulties confronting those areas.