Peadar Clohessy
Question:71 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Education the number participating in the early start programmes. [9575/96]
Written Answers. - Early Start Programme.
Tony Gregory
Question:80 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education if she will introduce the early start programme in St. Gabriel's National School, Cowper Street, Dublin 7, which is one of the most disadvantaged schools in the State and, which this year will celebrate its 100 anniversary. [8996/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 80 together.
The latest available data indicates that a total of 1,593 children in 56 pre-school classes were participating in the early start pre-school programme in October 1995. I regret that I have no plans at present to extend the programme to the school mentioned by Deputy Gregory but its needs will be considered in the context of any future expansion of the programme.