Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 4

Written Answers. - Early Childhood Education.

Dick Spring

Question:

164 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he proposes to increase the number of places in State funded pre-schools in the current school year; and, if so, if he will provide details on this matter. [23010/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The Early Start pre-school pilot project is in place in 40 selected schools in designated areas of disadvantage. The project is aimed at children who are considered to be most at risk of not reaching their potential and are aged between three and four years. It is a one year pre-formal schooling intervention. All children are eligible to enrol in primary education in September following their fourth birthday.

In the current school year, I plan to spend £3.08 million on the Early Start pre-school pilot project. The project will cater for up to 1,680 pupils in 56 classes in which a total of 56 teachers and 56 child care workers are employed.

The Deputy may be aware of the White Paper on Early Childhood Education, Ready to Learn, which sets out a comprehensive strategy for the development of early childhood education for all children aged from birth to six years. The question of developing and funding initiatives for particular pre-school sectors or the extension of the Early Start project to additional schools will be considered by my Department in the context of the implementation of the White Paper.