Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As the Senator knows, the Early Start programme has been there since the time when Niamh Bhreathnach was Minister for Education. We have that intervention, which is specifically for particularly disadvantaged areas. I have a very strong commitment in this area and I intend to ensure that we do improve the quality.

Senator Power also asked about patronage. I will be continuing the work that former Minister, Deputy Quinn, did. There are basically three strands to what he began in patronage. One is that there would be a survey of parents with the new schools. The second one is around divestment of schools. Everyone is aware of this so I will not go into the detail. The third one is to do with inclusivity in all schools. That is the area to which both the Chairman and Senator Power have a particularly strong commitment. It is an ongoing process.

I was asked about the allocation for the NCCA. The answer is €4 million and 33 staff. Costs for literacy and numeracy issues were €9 million in 2014. Junior cycle reform cost €4.8 million in 2014 and €1.5 million in 2013.

I will provide the figures in writing later.