Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the level of funds that will be invested in a targeted early childhood education programme for disadvantaged children. [9844/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department is already investing in a targeted early childhood education programme for children at risk of educational disadvantage. The Early Start programme aims to provide an educational programme for children aged 3-4 which would enhance their overall development and offset the effects of social disadvantage. The specific objectives of the programme are:

To enhance the children's language, cognitive and social / emotional development by engaging them in structured play activities which are characterised by high quality adult/child interaction.

To assess the strengths and needs of each child in relation to language, cognition and social/emotional development and to plan and deliver a programme of learning to meet the identified needs in these key areas of learning.

To devise strategies which actively engage parents in the education of their children.

In 2010, just over €6 million was expended on this programme. In recent years, the State along with Atlantic Philanthropies have funded Prevention and Early Intervention Programmes in areas of disadvantage. These include YoungBallymun, Tallaght's Childhood Development Initiative and the Preparing for Life Programme in Darndale. The evidence accruing from these intervention programmes as to what works most effectively for young children at risk of educational disadvantage will inform further targeted interventions.