Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 6

Written Answers. - Early Start Programme.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

66 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Education if a person (details supplied) in County Louth, who is currently attending an early start programme in the Redeemer school, Ard Easmaun, Dundalk, may continue in this school for a further year, in view of the fact that due to her speech deficiency she would not be in a position to attend national school until the age of five; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19640/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The objective of the early start pre-school pilot project initiative is to expose young children to an educational programme which will enhance their overall development and lay a foundation for successful educational attainment in future years.

Forty centres of greatest disadvantage, were selected for the provision of this service on a pilot scheme basis. The areas in question were selected after detailed consideration of needs across the disadvantaged areas. The pilot project is a one-year preventative strategy which is offered for children in these areas. Accordingly, children may be enroled in an early start pre-school class for one year only.

Unfortunately, therefore, the child in question who is currently attending the early start pre-school would not be eligible to enrol in the early start class for a further school year.

However, if it is proposed that the child continues her primary school education in the school referred to by the Deputy, she will have the services of a remedial teacher in that school.

My Department also makes provision for children with speech and language disorder through the establishment of special classes.

The establishment of such a class depends on sufficient numbers of children being in need of such classes and on the availability of adequate speech therapy services. The provision of speech therapy and the appointment of speech therapists is a matter for the relevant health board.