Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 5

Written Answers. - Early Childhood Education.

Richard Bruton

Question:

155 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to enter discussions with Bord na Gaeilge with a view to resourcing a policy which would see the same resources for all-Irish pre-schools in gaeltacht and non-gaeltacht areas.

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Work on the White Paper on early Childhood Education is at an advanced stage and I hope to be in a position to publish it soon. The White Paper will set out Government policy on early childhood education and will provide a blueprint for the development of the sector. It will set out a range of proposals covering early education for children aged from birth to six years.

The preparation of the White Paper follows an intensive consultation process which took place in March 1998: the National Forum for Early Childhood Education. A number of organisations representing Irish-medium pre-school education made presentations to the forum and Bord na Gaeilge, like other State agencies, was represented at the forum.

Naíonraí, which provide pre-school services through the medium of Irish, make an important contribution both in terms of the development and early education of children and in supporting the Irish language. The wide range of supports proposed in the White Paper for pre-schools generally will, of course, be available on an equal basis to all pre-schools, regardless of location or language of instruction.

As the Deputy will be aware, the recommendations and financial arrangements in the White Paper must receive approval by Government before I can publish them.