Liz O'Donnell
Ceist:138 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health the health board funding and management structures governing the 49 pre-schools for travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pre-schools for Travellers.
I understand that there are now 53 pre-schools catering specifically for children of the travelling community.
Primary responsibility for the funding of these pre-schools rests with the Department of Education which meets 98 per cent of tuition and transport costs. In some cases, the local health boards contribute towards the balance of the costs. The amounts involved would be small and the details are not available in my Department.
The pre-schools are run by local voluntary groups and management structures are a matter for the groups themselves. I understand that the Department of Education has not laid down any rules in relation to management structures and my Department has no function in the matter.