Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:180 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to provide funding for playgroups for children between the ages of two and five. [22790/03]
Written Answers. - Early Childhood Education.
I understand the Deputy is referring to the funding of pre-school services for children aged between two to five years. The Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 to 2006, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, provides funding to renovate/upgrade or build a suitable facility for the purpose of providing a childcare service, subject to qualifying conditions. Grant assistance is also available to equip such facilities with suitable materials and equipment. The health boards fund some pre-school services for children with disabilities or those from disadvantaged backgrounds in accessing community and private pre-school services. My Department has sought details of this funding from the health boards and I will contact the Deputy directly as soon as these have been collated.