To ask the Minister of Education whether she liaises with health visitors in planning the distribution of nursery places.

Níl aon chomhairliúchán díreach le banaltraí cheantair sna socruithe iontrála bliaintúla chuig suíomhanna réamhscoile nuair atá dáileadh áiteanna naíscoile á phleanáil.

There is no direct consultation with health visitors in planning the distribution of nursery places in the annual admissions arrangements to pre-school settings.

However, the views of the relevant Pre-School Education Advisory Group (PEAG) are sought and the membership of the PEAG includes representation from the Health and Social Care Trusts.

I am aware that those social workers with responsibility for the registration and inspection of pre-school providers in the voluntary and private sector, may liaise with health visitors during this process, responsibility for which rests with the Health and Social Care Trusts and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. As you may be aware my Department funds pre-school places in a number of these voluntary and private pre-school settings under the Pre-school Education Expansion Programme.