Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

The legal situation is that children may commence primary education at the age of four. Beyond that it is a question of parental choice. Ideally, I would like to see a situation in Ireland similar to that in other European countries where two years of preschool education are provided for young children. It is universally recognised that a two-year period of early education from three to five years of age is extremely beneficial. I agree with Deputy Finian McGrath that early intervention offers great scope to support and assist children and families.

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