Róisín Shortall
Ceist:96 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has for a pre-school service to include details of developments to date and plans for the service in future years.
Written Answers. - Pre-school Programme.
Plans for the establishment of a pre-school programme are well advanced in my Department and a decision on the areas selected for inclusion in the programme will be taken shortly.
The initial phase of the programme will involve the establishment of eight preschool projects. It is my intention that these projects will be located in areas of particular disadvantage and that they will make use of a developmental approach to the needs of very young children, with qualified teachers and the active co-operation of parents.
The operation of this initial phase of the programme will be closely monitored to ensure that it provides an effective basis for further development in this area in future years.