Vol. 491 No. 7
222 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of educational staff involved in the parents as first teachers programme outlined in the Department's strategy statement; the number of children and parents visited in the past 12 months under the programme; and the objectives and performance indicators set for the programme. [13282/98]
The importance of the role of parents as the first teachers of their children was one of the key issues to emerge at the recent national forum on early childhood education. In its discussion on this issue, the forum also highlighted the variety of State agencies involved in the provision of early education services and stressed the need to co-ordinate and streamline service delivery 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. The White Paper will address in a comprehensive manner the variety of educational issues raised in the forum, including those involved in the Government's commitment to the parents as first teachers programme.
