Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree that early years education is vitally important to children, particularly those whose homes may not offer the kind of support other homes do in terms of books, vocabulary and the things that make a difference to a child in being ready to benefit from the education system. That is why I made the area a particular priority when I became the Minister for Education and Skills. The sector needs a focus and to be valued in a way that will bring up wages. The work of my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Gerald Nash, on the minimum wage will be of help to the sector. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy James Reilly, established a cross-departmental group, in which my Department is participating. We will generally raise the resources for the area. In the past few years there was no money for any sector, but I agree with the Deputy that this area needs a focus. In some cases, there is a undervaluing of the sector.

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