James Leonard
Question:35 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Education if her Department will provide grant assistance for community based pre-schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4969/95]
Written Answers. - Community Based Pre-Schools.
Michael P. Kitt
Question:37 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Education if her Department will sanction assistance towards community pre-schools in an integrated environment in favour of the present system of sanction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4223/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 37 together. I do not propose to extend the funding of pre-school activities beyond the projects established under the Early Start programme.
The objective of the Early Start pre-school initiative is to provide young children with an educational programme which will enhance their overall development and lay a foundation for successful educational attainment in future years.
In 1994, 8 pre-school projects were sanctioned under the Early Start programme and I intend to put a further 25 such projects in place from September next.
In establishing the Early Start pre-school programme, I was fully aware of the valuable role played by existing community groups in providing services for children of pre-school age. It is not intended that the Early Start programme should in any way compete with or duplicate such initiatives.