Austin Currie
Ceist:470 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science when all north Clondalkin primary schools, Dublin 22 will be included in the early start programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21059/97]
Written Answers. - Early Childhood Education.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:507 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will include Archbishop McQuaid junior national school, Loughlinstown, County Dublin, in the early start pre school programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21467/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 470 and 507 together.
I recently announced my intention to establish a national forum on early childhood education. I am currently engaged with senior officials of my Department in planning for the forum. My objective is to ensure that all groups with an interest in the area of early childhood education will have an opportunity to put forward their views as to how best to co-ordinate and support the development of services in this area.
The outcome of the forum will provide an important input into policy decisions on the future development of pre-school education services. The evaluation of the early start pilot programme, which is currently being finalised by the education research centre, will also be considered in this context. I can assure the Deputies that the needs of the schools to which they refer will be fully considered in the context of any future expansion of pre-school provision.