James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his comments. I believe we are all on the same page on this issue. All the international and national evidence we have indicates clearly that investment in this area yields the greatest financial return. More important, it adds a value that is incalculable to children and society in general. The Deputy is quite right. It has a major influence on educational outcomes and, therefore, on job opportunities later in life. Clearly, what follows from this is a child's ability in later life to get out of poverty. From all aspects this is a winner for children, families and society at large. Moreover, given its nature in terms of the socialising of young children, it helps them to learn how to get on with other children and network. This is important later in life as well.

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