Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I will park the rest of my questions except for one.

The Minister indicated that he had recently had a meeting with the Association of Childhood Professionals. He stated: "We are in agreement about the importance of future investment" - this was reflected by a colleague earlier - and said he had established an interdepartmental group. That is very important, because it is an interdepartmental group that must address this matter. Can the Minister confirm to the committee that the group will be working on the same premise - that there is agreement on the importance of future investment?

With regard to the Early Childhood Care and Education, ECCE, scheme, it is critical that the education aspect of it is paramount. That is my certain view. It needs to be seen and needs to be continued in the context of early education. I would hope the Minister will share the detail of that report by the summer.