Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very pleased to say a great deal of work has been done by the expert group I appointed and which is chaired by Dr. Eilis Hennessy, the head of the school of psychology at UCD. I reject absolutely the Deputy's remarks about implementation. This is the first strategy of its kind and we have had a series of meetings to examine very important issues. I am very pleased to say the members of the group are working in a voluntary capacity and can confirm that a report will be published this year. I am very grateful to the members of the group for their work. I had a meeting with the group on 21 January to see a presentation on parenting programmes which are very important. Funding has been provided for a range of groups around the country which are carrying out very valuable work in providing parenting supports and courses. However, we need a national policy. It is clear that in the areas for which I have responsibility very often there has not been a national policy. This is the first ever national early years strategy and the work involved is ongoing. Future meetings are planned. I believe the group is quite satisfied with its input into the strategy. A number of formal presentations have been made and early meetings held. The group will be giving consideration to publication of its report and ensuring its priorities are reflected. It will be a most useful report and I envisage it will be published in the first half of the year.

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