Vol. 486 No. 1
862 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will outline the proposed operation of the parents as first teachers programme as contained in An Action Programme for the Millenium; the progress to date in 1998 on the setting up of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1436/98]
866 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in 1998 on his proposal to set up a national forum on early education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1439/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 862 and 866 together.
I am currently engaged with senior officials in my Department in planning for the national forum on early childhood education. Detailed arrangements for the national forum will be notified to the concerned interests shortly.
The national forum will bring together service providers and experts in the field for the purpose of advising me on a strategy for the future development of early childhood education services. My objective in holding the national forum is to allow all groups with an interest in the area of early childhood education to put forward their views as to how best to co-ordinate and support the future development of services in this area. The parents as first teachers programme will be taken into account in this context.
The outcome of the national forum will provide an important input into policy decisions on the future development of early childhood education services.
