Richard Bruton
Question:659 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to extend the early start scheme in the 1998-99 school year. [8574/98]
Written Answers. - Early Start Programme.
I have no proposals to extend the early start pre-school programme.
I recently held a national forum for early childhood education. My objective in holding the forum was 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.
A report on the proceedings and conclusions of the forum is currently being prepared by the independent secretariat and will be published under the authority of the secretary general to the forum.
Following consideration of this report, it is my intention to publish a White Paper on early childhood education.