Vol. 516 No. 2
9 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if the scale of budget required to implement the White Paper on Early Childhood Education has been estimated by his Department; if so, if he will give details of that estimate; and the number of new early education places to be provided direct by the State and indirect with State support. [7243/00]
A total of £74 million has been provided in the national development plan for the implementation of the proposals in the White Paper, Ready to Learn. The focus of the White Paper is on maintaining and enhancing the quality of pre-school education provision, regardless of the setting – school, home or other setting – in which the education and care are provided. The White Paper focuses in particular on increasing participation among the priority groups – children who are educationally disadvantaged and children with disabilities – and addresses the issue of direct provision where there are gaps in provision.
Initial planning for implementation of the recommendations made in the White Paper is currently under way in my Department. Key principles underpinning the White Paper are that implementation will be undertaken on a phased basis and that progress will be achieved through a process of consultation with interested parties.
I recently announced a process of consultation on the White Paper. I expect that this process will commence shortly. Details of expenditure on the White Paper proposals, including the direct and indirect provision of places, must await the completion of the consultation and planning process.
Forgive me if I got it wrong. Is a White Paper not a decision on what will be done rather than a prelude to consultation?
A White Paper is a proposal on policy.
I thought it represented policy.
No, I will tell the Deputy about that—
Had the Minister any input at the start of these consultations on, for example, how many extra children should be brought in to early start – the Department's initiative for pre-school children?
Yes. A Green Paper is generally a discussion document, a White Paper contains proposals for policy or for legislation or for development. After that comes the actual decisions. There are three different phases. A total of £74 million is provided in the national development plan for the implementation of the White Paper proposals over the period 2000 to 2006. This figure is inclusive of funding for existing programmes – Early Start Programme, pilot pre-school project, Rutland Street pre-school project, pre-schools for Traveller children and pilot pre-school provision for autistic children. The £74 million also includes funding for the additional measures encompassed in the White Paper. Proposed allocations for these measures under the national development plan over the next three years are included.
The Deputy mentioned the provision of pre-school places and the Early Start programme. The Early Start programme, the Rutland Street project and pre-schools for traveller children are included but we must have consultation on them.
Are they a secret?
No. They are being discussed.
Are these things not discussed in the Dáil which provides the money for them?
Deputy Bruton did not provide the money. It was provided by the Government.
The money is voted by Dáil Éireann.
Deputy Bruton's party had the money but they spent it elsewhere.
Does the Minister accept that our pre-school provision is the worst in Europe? We have fewer than 3,000 State funded pre-school places. Has the Minister set any targets for the provision of pre-school places? How many additional State funded pre-school places will have been provided when the national development plan has been implemented and £74 million spent?
The White Paper builds on the existing provisions.
How many places will be provided?
It will improve the quality and quantity of supply in the areas which are covered at present. The priority areas will be decided following consultation—
The Minister's reply is an insult to Members of the House, Sir. We have asked straightforward questions and the Minister—
The Chair has no control over the content of Minister's answers.
This reply is an insult to Members and a waste of our time. Does the Minister have any definite answers? Does he know how many places will be provided?
If the Deputy submits a question on that matter I will reply to it. The question she is now asking is not the one submitted by her. It is simply one she has thought of, off the top of her head.
How many places will the Minister provide?
The funds are available and we are engaged in a process of consultation. The number of places has been increased and will be increased further. Of course, the Deputy is not interested in what has been done already. The exact number of places to be provided in any area has not been determined yet. That is part of the consultation process.
Will Early Start places be provided?
Of course.
Has the Minister decided that? His predecessor had an evaluation done on this matter.
Deputy Shortall should listen to my answer. I have said we are in consultation at the moment. The Government's position is happier than that of the previous Government. We have money on which to consult.
Has the Minister any idea what he will do with the money?
Has the Minister anything to say apart from giving kindergarten answers?
