§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what contributions he is seeking from the European Union for the extension of pre-five child care in Northern Ireland. [15458]
§ Mr. MossThe Government are not currently seeking funding from the European Union for the extension of pre-five child care in Northern Ireland. There is, however, scope under several of the European structural funds programmes already approved for Northern Ireland to support the extension of pre-five child care, most notably measure 2 of sub-programme 4 of the European Union special support programme for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. This measure aims to prevent the future social and labour market exclusion of children and young people by funding, for example, pre-school child care and education projects. The total European fund available under this measure is about £7 million over the period 1996 to 1999.