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

The overall policy areas we are examining in the context of implementing a national strategy for children and young people involve the early years group as well as the older age group. The early years group has met and worked hard on its report and much work has been done. We consulted thousands of children. I received a report following a consultation with 68,000 children in primary schools and there has been other consultation. A great deal of work, therefore, is being done. I expect to receive the early years strategy in July and work is ongoing on the other elements of policy for young people. I am not in a position to give the precise date I will have the overall plan but it will be this year. I am in a position to outline exactly when I will have the framework completed for each of the different age groups. Substantial work is going on regarding each of them and significant consultation has taken place with young people. We have been informed by young people around the country about what they would like to see in the strategy. People are suggesting more and more areas that need to be included in it and I want to ensure it is as comprehensive as possible.

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