Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004
156 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department’s plans to combat educational disadvantage before children start school; the extent to which his Department plans to become formally involved in preparing children during pre-school years; his views on whether extending the early start programme in disadvantaged areas may be the best means of doing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19498/04]
View answerI recognise that high quality early education prior to entry into formal schooling can lead to lasting social benefits that persist throughout life, both for the individual and for society. Research also indicates that early childhood education is particularly beneficial for children who are disadvantaged and for children with special needs. Parents, too, can benefit significantly from involvement in early education through improved self confidence and better relationships with their children.
The Early Start pre-school project was established in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Drogheda and Dundalk during 1994 and 1995. The Early Start service has not been expanded since 1995.
In regard to future development of early childhood education provision for disadvantaged children, my Department, as part of a detailed review of educational disadvantage programmes, is currently exploring how such provision should best be delivered in the future. I am particularly concerned to ensure that any future actions by my Department in this area are based on a collaborative approach with other Departments involved in the overall early childhood care and education, ECCE, sector. Meeting the overall objective of providing the best possible service to the communities and children involved requires that any educational provision by my Department takes account of child care measures under the remit of other Departments.
The future development of the Early Start pre-school project is being considered as part of this process and I will make an announcement in this regard as soon as the detailed review of all initiatives to tackle educational disadvantage has been completed.
