Vol. 481 No. 6
87 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is intended to provide a specific budget for pre-school education as promised in An Action Programme for the Millennium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16582/97]
The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced my intention to set up a national forum on early education.
This consultative process will allow all bodies with an interest in the field of early childhood education to put forward their views as to how best to co-ordinate and support the development of services in this area. I am currently engaged with senior officials in my Department in pursuing arrangements for the forum.
The outcome of the forum will provide an important input into policy decisions in relation to the future development of pre-school education services. I will also have available, in December of this year, the report of the committee established to monitor the progress of the early start pre-school programme.
I can assure the Deputy that policy decisions arising from the above process will be supported by a specific budget for pre-school education.
