Vol. 517 No. 6
402 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the early childhood education agency will be established; if it will require legislation; and when it will commence making decisions on the issue of qualifications of teachers for involvement in early childhood education. [10575/00]
Initial planning for implementation of the recommendations made in the White Paper is currently under way in my Department. My officials are also engaged in a process of consultation with interested groups. This process will be completed shortly.
The initial priority will be to establish structures to oversee detailed implementation of the White Paper. Decisions on these structures will be taken following the initial planning and consultation process.
Section 54 of the Education Act, 1998, provides for the establishment of bodies to provide services related to education. Accordingly, it is not anticipated that further legislation will be required in respect of the White Paper structures.
Decisions on the qualifications of teachers for involvement in early childhood education will be made in the context of a national qualifications framework for the early childhood sector. Work on the framework will be undertaken in consultation with the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, early childhood education providers and organisations involved in the provision of early childhood education courses, following the establishment of appropriate structures in the area.
