Vol. 527 No. 3
399 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide funding for St. Joseph's school for visually impaired boys in Drumcondra, Dublin 9 for the provision of their pre-school service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28561/00]
The question of funding pre-school education services will be considered in the context of the implementation of the White Paper on Early Childhood Education – Ready to Learn. The White Paper sets out a blueprint for the development of early education, with the aim of building on existing provision and assisting providers to raise the quality of provision. Particular attention will be given in this regard to supporting initiatives aimed at children who are disadvantaged and children who have special needs.
Planning and preparatory work on the implementation of the White Paper is currently under way in my Department and arrangements are being made to establish the necessary structures for this purpose.
