Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not accept the contention that there has not been major investment in young people in this country. On the contrary, billions of euro are being expended in respect of child care and early child care supplement. There has been a doubling and more in the education budget in recent years together with an historic capital investment programme to improve the working environment in which teachers educate children, apart from the very large expansion in child care services taking place in the health service. Therefore, I reject the contention that there is no investment in child care issues in Ireland — quite the contrary. All of this is being addressed within the programme of Towards 2016 and the social partnership framework for these issues.

Regarding the function of the NESF, it is charged with advising the Taoiseach on policies to achieve greater equality and social inclusion, as well as on such other matters as may be specified by the Taoiseach in the context of social partnership arrangements — by analysing, evaluating and monitoring viable programmes and policies — and to facilitate public consultation on policy matters as referred to by the Government from time to time.

The NESF's advisory role is well respected and well noted. With regard to the specific report mentioned by the Deputy, the NESF welcomed the Government's decision to establish the Office of the Minister for Children, which plays a lead role in driving forward the process of change and reform in this sector. The work of county and city child care committees was also commended. The forum noted the establishment of an interdepartmental group to develop a national child care training strategy and the launch of national guidelines for child minders, which are positive developments in this area. The NESF further noted that regulations in the area of inspection and evaluation of pre-school facilities are to be strengthened and published.

In the report, the forum expressed regret that little strategic attention has yet been paid to reform of primary schools in terms of facilities, etc., and also expresses disappointment that one of its key recommendations, namely, the Government provision, free of charge, of a high quality pre-school session of 3.5 hours a day for all children, has not been accepted. That is noted and we shall continue, as resources allow, to consider these matters. However, I do not accept the very negative orientation that was put by the Deputy.

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