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

The second free preschool year is accommodated and planned in the document produced by Government, "Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures", to be delivered on fully by 2020. It is not in the programme for Government. That does not mean we are not committed to it but it is a question of the timeframe around which it can be delivered. The second preschool year would cost €175 million, at a minimum, and probably closer to €200 million if we were to fix all the bits we would like to see corrected in the existing year. I believe the general consensus from the sector is that it would like to be assured that the quality and mechanics of the existing year are addressed first before we move to a second preschool year, and I think that sensible.

Having said all that, the whole point of the interdepartmental group is that it will have analysed what it is we are doing, clarified what our goals are - although we know what they are - and seen how what we are doing at the moment delivers on those goals, as well as looking at the future investment opportunities that will deliver better outcomes for children and families. For me to prejudge that would be incorrect and disrespectful of the work the group has to do. It is very important work that is going to touch all the families in this country.

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