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

I agree that early intervention is very good and there are a plethora of surveys and research to back that up. I asked in particular about the pilot analysis that is being done now. When will we have the results of that? How broad is that analysis from a geographical perspective and how deep is it?

In regard to the cost associated with a second preschool year, does the Minister concur with her Cabinet colleague, Deputy Quinn, who earlier this week said that we need to start a debate about redirecting the direct payment of child benefit into this area for the provision of a second preschool year? We had this conversation previously at an Oireachtas committee, where the Minister quite rightly raised concerns about removing this direct payment, and I agree with her on that, because many families rely heavily on it. Is the Government going to look at redirecting payments in respect of older children in lower- and middle-income families to support this new venture? The Minister might enlighten us in that regard.

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