Vol. 463 No. 6
183 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education when sanction will be given to Castletown national school, Dundalk, County Louth for inclusion in the early start programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6994/96]
I have no plans at present to extend the early start pre-school programme to the school mentioned by the Deputy. The early start pre-school programme is currently focused on schools serving areas which have been identified as being particularly disadvantaged. The programme has been expanded in the current school year and a total of 40 primary schools now have a pre-school project. I have also established an expert monitoring committee to advise me on the operation and future development of the early start pre-school programme. This committee is representative of a wide range of interests involved in the provision of pre-school services. The needs of the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in the event of any further development of the programme being undertaken.
