Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Jun 1995

Vol. 455 No. 2

Written Answers. - Early Start Programme.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

139 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education if she will respond to the commitment given to the parents in Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10, that an early start class will be allocated specifically to their area; and if discussions might be initiated between her Department and the Eastern Health Board to allow for the integration of the early start class into the nursery building proposed to be built by the Eastern Health Board in Cherry Orchard Estate, Dublin 10. [12027/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department is currently considering how the pre-school needs of the area in question can best be accommodated. I would not regard the Deputy's suggestion of integrating the pre-school into a proposed nursery building as offering a satisfactory solution.

Pre-schools established under the early start programme form an integral part of the primary school system and it is necessary therefore that they be based in primary schools in the areas which they are intended to serve.