Vol. 473 No. 1
219 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Education if she has received an appeal on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Louth to have her case reconsidered to allow her to continue the early start programme for a further year in the Redeemer School, Ard Easmuinn, Dundalk, County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24324/96]
I am aware that my Department has received a request to reconsider its position on the case in question. The objective of the early start pre-school project is to expose young children to an educational programme which will enhance their overall development and lay a foundation for successful educational attainment in future years. The project, which is focused on areas of particular disadvantage, offers a one-year preventative strategy to children who have reached three years of age and who are at risk of not reaching their potential in the school system. On completion of their one year pre-school programme, children would be expected to proceed through the primary system.
