There are two schools in the Tallaght area included in the early start pre-school programme and four schools in the area included in the urban dimension of the breaking the cycle pilot project. These schools have been included in the schemes since the 1996-97 school year. The early start pre-school programme located in 40 schools is aimed at exposing children of pre-school age to an educational programme which will enhance their overall development and lay a foundation for successful educational attainment in future years. The early start pre-school programme is established at two of the junior schools in the Tallaght area and the locations were selected on the basis of priority of need across disadvantaged areas. 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.