Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My question relates to early childhood care and education professionals. I am sure the Minister is aware that there is growing evidence of the educational impact and importance of the preschool phase of childhood care and education. There has been an historical reluctance on the part of the State to consider the educational aspect of childhood development. Does the Minister accept the importance of the educational aspect of early childhood care and education? If so, what is she willing to do to advance the profession of early childhood care and education in terms of professional development, the funding of professional development and terms and conditions, etc.?

See this speech in context