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

-----but refers to the need for further supports to achieve the better outcomes we seek. The early childhood care and education programme has helped considerably and there is a lot of evidence to support that. However, there is a need for further assistance and support, and that is why the interdepartmental group is so important. As with many steps taken in government, there is a need for cross-departmental involvement to achieve a coherent approach so we do not end up with silos of activity that sometimes do not complement one another. I believe the report will be good. It is currently in its final drafting stage and I hope to have it very soon. It will add greatly to our ability to plan in a more complete way for meeting the needs of young children under the age of six.

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