Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 4

Written Answers - Ballina (Mayo) School.

Tom Moffatt

Question:

116 Dr. Moffatt asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to provide a pre-school class at the Convent of Mercy School, Ballina, County Mayo, which is classified as disadvantaged; and the further plans, if any, she has to extend the scheme to other areas in east Mayo. [3861/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I recently announced my intention to expand the early start pre-school programme through the establishment of a further 25 pre-school projects in the coming school year.

This development will significantly expand the pre-school service and the areas targeted will be selected from among those already included in the disadvantaged areas scheme.

The process of selecting schools for inclusion in the expanded early start programme is currently under way in my Department and the needs of the areas mentioned by the Deputy will be considered in this context.