Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not disagree with anything the Deputy has said. In fact, I agree fully with his sentiment and comments. The Deputy will be aware that Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, the national policy framework for children and young people over the years 2014-2020, recognises the value of early childhood care and education in supporting children's early cognitive social and emotional development. The Government is committed to the introduction of a second free preschool year within the lifetime of the framework once the required quality standards are achieved and subject to the availability of resources. The Deputy has asked me specifically, in order of priority, to list objectives, aims and targets, and this is one. I agree with what the Deputy has said in terms of outcomes regarding the importance and the benefits.

The one area where perhaps we disagree is the availability of funding. The Deputy seems to suggest that funds are readily available. Notwithstanding that, I assure the Deputy that both my Department and I will be keeping this commitment under review in the context of the progress of the preschool quality agenda.

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