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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 May 1995

Vol. 452 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pre-school Child Services.

Mary Harney

Ceist:

22 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Education if her Department is to take sole responsibility for pre-school children; and the steps, if any, which have been taken to ensure co-ordination of the various services for children at this level. [7927/95]

Brian Cowen

Ceist:

53 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Education where the additional early start projects, planned for September 1995, will be located; the criteria used in selecting the location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7949/95]

Denis Foley

Ceist:

60 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Education where the additional early start projects, planned for September 1995, will be located; the criteria used in selecting the locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7948/95]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 53 and 60 together.

The general legislative provisions regarding the supervision of pre-school services are contained in the 1991 Child Care Act. These matters are the responsibility of the Minister for Health. My Department's responsibility for pre-school children is limited to its involvement in the delivery of the early start pre-school programme. This service is being developed as an integral part of the primary schools to which the pre-schools are attached.

The objective of the initiative is to provide young children with an educational programme which will enhance their overall development and lay a foundation for successful attainment in future years. The service is being targeted on areas of particular disadvantage.

I intend to establish a further 25 pre-schools under the early start initiative with effect from September next. The process of selecting locations for these new pre-schools is currently under way. The focus will again be on areas of greatest disadvantage. It is intended that the criteria referred to above will also be used in deciding on the location of the new pre-schools. As part of this process, my Department will consult with all relevant agencies to ensure that the most suitable locations are selected.
I have established a monitoring committee in my Department to advise on the development of the early start programme. This committee has representation from my Department, the Department of Health, all the voluntary bodies involved in pre-school services for this age group, as well as representatives of the teacher unions and of relevant third-level colleges involved in staff training. This committee will also advise on the co-ordination of pre-school provision. In addition, regular consultation will continue to take place between my officials and those of the Department of Health in this regard.
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