Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Is the Taoiseach aware that the fifth periodic report of the work of the National Economic and Social Forum states that Ireland continues to rate among the lowest investors in early childhood care and education? Does he accept that little progress has been made regarding the implementation of the policy decisions set out in the Government's White Paper on early childhood care and education, which if he recalls, was published in 1999?

What is the Taoiseach's position on the central recommendation of the report of the NESF to the effect that the State should provide and fund high quality care for children in the year before they commence their primary school education? Will he not accept that it is a damning indictment of the Government's record on child care that a body such as the NESF, which was established by the Government, would outline with such forcefulness its concern and recognition of the failure of Government to act in the interests of young people? How will he rectify this major failure to invest in young children here in this country?

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