Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:121 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in the provision of a specific budget for pre-school education as promised in an action programme for the millennium. [17139/01]
Written Answers. - Pre-School Budget.
In line with the Government's commitment to pre-school education in the action programme for the millennium, a total of £74 million is being provided under the national development plan for the implementation of proposals contained in the White Paper on early childhood education over the period 2000 to 2006. The White Paper sets out a blueprint for the development of the sector, with the aim of building on existing provision and assisting providers to raise quality of provision.
The figure of £74 million is inclusive of funding for existing programmes, that is: the early start pre-school project; the Rutland Street pre-school; pre-schools for Traveller children; and pilot pre-school provision for autistic children.
With a view to implementation of the White Paper, my Department has sought and received proposals from third-level institutions for a pilot project to develop and co-ordinate early childhood education provision in pursuance of the objectives in the White Paper. Discussions with the institutions concerned are well advanced and I expect to be in a position to announce details of the project in the near future.