I am aware of the circumstances concerning the pre-school referred to by the Deputy.
The Early Start pre-school programme was introduced in 1994. It is currently in operation on a pilot basis in 40 primary schools catering for a maximum of 1,680 children and focuses on areas of particular disadvantage.
As the Deputy may be aware, the White Paper on Early Childhood Education – Ready to Learn – sets out a blueprint for the development of the sector. The White Paper will build on existing provision and assist providers to raise quality of provision. Support will continue to be made available for a range of existing initiatives, including Early Start. In addition, the State may become involved in further direct provision in certain instances, where the educational needs of the White Paper priority groups – disadvantaged children or children with special needs are not being met by existing State-funded services.
Initial planning for implementation of the recommendations made in the White Paper is currently under way in my Department. My officials are currently in discussion with parties involved in the early childhood education area with a view to implementing the White Paper proposals and establishing the necessary structures. This process will be concluded shortly.
Detailed planning concerning White Paper proposals will be undertaken once these structures are in place and the consultation process completed. In advance of this detailed planning, it is not possible to determine the nature and extent of support for early childhood education to be made available in specific areas.
