Vol. 439 No. 5
48 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Education if she has noted the recommendation of the first progress report of the Task Force on the travelling community to the effect that her Department and the Department of Health should meet as a matter of priority to clarify their respective responsibilities with regard to pre-schools in the context of Child Care Act, 1991; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I regard the provision of pre-school services for Travellers and other children in areas of disadvantage as an important preparatory step towards successful participation in mainstream education. I therefore welcome the proposals made by the Task Force in its interim progress report.
I have noted the particular recommendation in the report relating to the importance of clarifying the respective roles of my Department and the Department of Health in the pre-school area. I have arranged for early discussions between officials of my Department and the Department of Health to pursue this issue.
