Dáil Éireann - Volume 432 - 09 June, 1993

Written Answers. - Community Playgroups.

Ms Manus Ms Manus

137

58. Ms Manus asked the Minister for Education her views on important [137] contributions of community playgroups to children's development; and if she will provide such funding to these groups as would allow for the paid employment of playgroup leaders.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach) Niamh Bhreathnach

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach): As announced in the Programme for a Partnership Government, I intend to introduce a system of pre-schooling for disadvantaged areas on a phased basis. Planning is currently under way in relation to this proposal.

I acknowledge the contribution which playgroups make to children's development. Such playgroups are generally established on a private basis in the different localities and it is not the intention that they be grant-aided by my Department. Under the provisions of the Child Care Act, 1991, registration of such play groups is a matter for the Minister for Health.

Dáil Éireann 432 Written Answers. Community Playgroups.

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