Vol. 502 No. 3
67 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a recent report by Barnardos on crèche and play group facilities in disadvantaged areas; his views on the convention that these services are not economically viable without State funding; the responsibility, if any, he takes for ensuring the provision of these services; the plans, if any, he has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7799/99]
Monitoring of crèche and play group facilities is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children.
A number of crèche and play group facilities are in place in disadvantaged areas. A variety of local and community interests are involved in these and the approaches used vary considerably. The facilities are funded through voluntary contributions, with assistance usually from health boards and local authorities. They are supervised by those bodies and are not monitored by the Department of Education and Science.
As the Deputy will be aware, a White Paper on early childhood education is currently being prepared by my Department. The White Paper will set out Government policy in relation to early childhood education. It is my intention that the White Paper will be completed as soon as possible. In addition, my officials have also discussed recently with Barnardos the provision of early childhood services in areas of disadvantage.
