Vol. 482 No. 5
142 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pre-school services provided directly by, or partly funded by, his Department; the number of children for whom service is provided by these services; and the plans, if any, he has to develop the policy framework for these services in the coming years. [18407/97]
The current pilot phase of the Early Start pre-school programme involves a total of 40 pre-school projects with a capacity to cater for up to 1,680 children. The overall operating costs of these facilities are met by my Department.
My Department also grant-aids a total of 56 pre-schools for traveller children. These pre-schools, which have an enrolment of approximately 660 children, are set up and managed by local voluntary bodies. Grant aid at a rate of 98 per cent is provided in respect of approved tuition costs and towards the cost of transporting the children to the pre-schools.
I recently announced my intention of holding a national forum on early childhood education. This consultative process will allow all bodies with an interest in the field to put forward their views on how we can best coordinate 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 on 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.
