Derek McDowell
Question:104 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons for the delay in implementing the White Paper on Early Childhood Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26514/00]
Vol. 526 No. 3
104 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons for the delay in implementing the White Paper on Early Childhood Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26514/00]
The White Paper on Early Childhood Education, Ready to Learn, which was published in December 1999, sets out a comprehensive strategy for the development of early childhood education for all children aged from birth to six years. Action is proposed on a wide range of issues, including the promotion of quality of provision, measures to facilitate and encourage parental involvement in their children's early education and the development of a system of evaluation to determine whether providers meet quality standards and to assist them in doing so.