Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her reply. She is right in saying this scheme has been highly successful in terms of participation, but participation alone cannot be used to measure the success of the scheme. I welcome the Minister of State's announcement that a pilot programme has been carried out examining the standards that are being applied. She might elaborate on the depth of analysis carried out into educational development outcomes for the children. We need to examine raising our quality standards. We can only do that by professionalising the child care sector and ensuring that service providers are facilitated in undertaking continuous professional development to ensure they are adequately qualified, because this scheme is being delivered at such an important stage in a child's life.

Does the Minister believe there is the capacity currently to offer a second preschool year, or would it require an expansion of the capital programme? What level of consultation has she engaged in with service providers and parents on providing a second free preschool year?

See this speech in context