Vol. 498 No. 1
364 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the policy of his Department in relation to the early childhood organisation, IPPA; if he will put a national policy in place based on the policy and voluntary work of this organisation; and if he will consider the level of funding offered to the organisation with a view to increasing the amount. [26472/98]
Earlier this year I held the National Forum for Early Childhood Education. My objective in holding the forum was to allow all groups with an interest in the area to put forward their views as to how best to co-ordinate and support the future development of early childhood education services. The Irish Pre-School Playgroups Association was represented at the forum and presented its proposals for the future development of services in this area.
The report on the outcome of the forum has recently been received in my Department and is being considered as part of the preparation of a White Paper on early childhood education, which will set out my proposals for the future development of early childhood education services. The issue of future funding allocations to this area will be addressed in the context of the measures set out in the White Paper.
