Michael Joe Cosgrave
Question:449 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will provide funding to pre-school groups to allow them to provide the facilities to meet the educational needs of young children. [18823/97]
Written Answers. - Early Childhood Education.
Richard Bruton
Question:488 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science whether his proposals to recognise the Montessori method will be developed as part of the deliberation of the Forum on Early Education or as a seperate initiative by his Department. [19172/97]
Richard Bruton
Question:489 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to offer a position on the Forum on Early Education to each of the two groups representing Montessori teachers. [19173/97]
I propose to take Question Nos. 449, 488 and 489 together.
I am currently engaged with senior officials in my Department in planning for the National Forum on Early Childhood Education. My objective is to ensure that the forum will allow all groups with an interest in the area of early childhood education, including the groups mentioned by the Deputy, to put forward their views as to how best to co-ordinate and support the development of services in this area. The issues raised by the Deputies will be taken into account as part of the planning process.