Brendan Smith
Question:153 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education the schemes of grant assistance, if any, available for community groups to establish pre or playschool facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8524/97]
Written Answers. - Pre-School Facilities.
My Department's responsibility in the pre-school area is limited to its involvement in the delivery of the early start pre-school programme and traveller pre-schools.
The current pilot phase of the early start pre-school programme is focused on 40 primary schools serving areas which have been indentified as being particularly disadvantaged. Under the early start programme, each pre-school class is served by a fully qualified primary teacher supported by a child care assistant. Each project also receives financial assistance for the purchase of materials and equipment and to foster parental involvement.
There are a number of pre-schools for traveller children located throughout the country which are established and managed by voluntary bodies. My Department grant aids 98 per cent of the approved tuition provided in these pre-schools, up to a maximum of three hours per day for the duration of the normal school year. Grant assistance is also provided in relation to transport arrangements for the children in question. In addition, an equipment grant issues to each traveller pre-school on an annual basis.
The general legislative provisions relating to pre-school and play-school services are contained in the 1991 Child Care Act, which is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Health.