Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pre-School Facilities.

Tom Enright

Ceist:

458 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Castleview pre-school, Kilcruttin, Tullamore, County Offaly and Scoil Íosagáin pre-school, Daingean Road, Tullamore, County Offaly face imminent closure; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is a teacher in each school at present funded by his Department and that two pre-school assistants funded by FÁS in each school are being withdrawn on 1 March 2001; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these two pre-schools have been providing excellent educational facilities and their closure would cause considerable loss for Traveller children, parents and the overall community. [6053/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The issue to which the Deputy refers has been brought to my Department's attention.

My Department supports the establishment of pre-school facilities for Traveller children where the need for such a service has been identified and where a suitable management structure is in place. In such situations, my Department funds 98% of the teacher salaries involved and funds the cost of transporting the children to the pre-schools. Annual funding is also provided for materials and equipment.

Pre-schools for Travellers are subject to the requirements of the Child Care Act, 1991 which requires that a second adult must be within the confines of the school during its operation. In the case referred to by the Deputy, I understand that the presence of the two FÁS workers in addition to the class teachers, ensured that the pre-schools complied with this requirement.