Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to expand pre-school education through Irish (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16576/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department supports the development and progress of Irish language pre-school education outside of Gaeltacht regions through Foras na Gaeilge by way of assistance to Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta, FNT, and, within Gaeltacht regions, through Údarás na Gaeltachta.

In the case of Údarás na Gaeltachta, support is provided to more than 70 naíonraí, which operate in Gaeltacht areas since the establishment of the first Gaeltacht naíonra in 1970. In 2004 Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta was set up by Údarás and it provides support to both new and existing naíonraí within the Gaeltacht areas. Údarás also operates a funding scheme, pobal, cultúr agus teanga, which offers support for a range of initiatives coming from the local community, including initiatives that complement the main naíonra funding. Údarás funding for the naíonraí was increased from €327,552 in 2002 to €904,007 in 2004 with payments of €300,000 from an estimated budget of €950,000 made to date this year.

FNT, which was established in 2003, has responsibility for pre-schooling through the medium of Irish throughout the island of Ireland with the exception of the Gaeltacht areas. The board of FNT has a wide range of representatives from organisations, North and South. FNT provides financial support and an advisory service to naíonraí. FNT, in conjunction with interested parties, is preparing a strategic plan for the organisation and for Irish language pre-schooling in general.