Labour pledge on free preschooling

THE creation of a free preschool education system costing €180 million would create greater opportunities for children of all backgrounds, the Labour Party leader said yesterday.

Under the party’s 10-point plan for children published yesterday, the Labour Party reiterated its pledge to introduce free universal preschool education for every child up to five half-days a week.

Pat Rabbitte said the multi-million euro costs involved centred largely on removing fees from preschooling. “Unfortunately, many of our children are already lost to the system by the time they reach the end of primary school. So, early intervention preschool education is a great boost to children no matter what their background,” he said.