By continental standards we have a pre-school system. Most continental children do not go to school until they are six years while in Ireland some 65 per cent of four year olds and almost 100 per cent of five year olds attend school. In effect, this is pre-schooling because the compulsory school age is six years.
With regard to schooling for younger children, I would be happy to encourage the use of school buildings by local groups or private organisations who want to engage in pre-school activities. However, I cannot undertake, nor would I be in favour of, providing state funding for that exercise.