Vol. 513 No. 6
129 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if the scale of budget required to implement the White Paper on Early Childhood Education has been estimated by his Department; if so, if he will give details of that estimate; and the number of new early education places to be provided direct by the State and indirect with State support. [3150/00]
163 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has in relation to the development of the pre-school sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3318/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 163 together.
The White Paper on Early Childhood Education Ready to Learn, which was published last December, sets out a comprehensive strategy for the development of early childhood education for children aged from birth to six years. Action is proposed on a wide range of issues including: the promotion of quality of provision, measures to facilitate and encourage parental involvement in their children's early education and the development of a system of inspection to determine whether providers meet quality standards and to assist them in doing so. Particular attention will be paid to the target groups of disadvantaged children and children with special needs.
Key principles underpinning the White Paper are that implementation will be undertaken on a phased basis and that progress will be achieved through a process of consultation with parents, providers and interested groups. Initial planning for implementation will be undertaken by a new early years development unit which will be established in my Department. An independent early childhood education agency will also be established to undertake a range of policy and executive tasks.
In addition, consultation with other Government Departments and agencies involved in the early childhood area will be vital to avoid duplication of effort and to ensure a co-ordinated response to children's needs. Accordingly, the Government is putting in place structures to facilitate this consultation and my Department will participate actively in these structures.
