Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Jul 1996

Vol. 467 No. 7

Written Answers. - Early Start Programme.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

220 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education if she will establish an early start programme in St. Gabriel's girls' national school, Cowper Street, Dublin 7, to help combat the wide-spread educational disadvantage in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14287/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I have no plans at present to extend the early start pre-school programme.

The early start pre-school programme is currently focused on schools serving areas which have been identified as being particularly disadvantaged.

The programme has been expanded in the current school year by the inclusion of a further 25 pre-school projects. This brings the total number of projects now in place to 32.

I have also established an expert monitoring committee to advise me on the operation and future development of the early start pre-school programme. This committee is representative of a wide range of interests involved in the provision of pre-school services.

The Deputy may be aware that the school in question recently amalgamated with St. Gabriel's boys' national school, Cowper Street, Dublin 7. The school is already designated as disadvantaged and, as such, receives additional funding and has concessionary teaching posts. The needs of this school will be considered in the context of any future development of the early start programme.