Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While it is not in the question, education research shows that for those from disadvantaged communities in particular, the preschool year and the associated additional education and resources put into it are the most important resources to those children and those homes. Moreover, the outcome from a significant investment in preschool, particularly for disadvantaged communities, is extremely significant. I understand the academic and research evidence shows that where this happens, and there has been significant investment in Ireland in preschool year, this has a significant outcome in bringing up that cohort of people to be the same as any other community. The Government and obviously the Minister for Education and Skills will be very interested in the comments made in this Chamber and I will make sure they are brought to his attention. However, if one can invest in preschool, one gets quality education for those who obviously would not normally be in a position to benefit therefrom. This is the key to the issue and is where significant progress will be made in the years ahead.

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