Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

By now we should all see the evidence that the more we invest in our population at an earlier point, the greater the return at the other end. It is really well worth our while as a State putting resources into very young children in order to reap the benefits at the other end. There will be fewer problems with addiction, anti-social behaviour and repeated jail terms. It relates to the ability to have well-rounded citizens who can stand on their own two feet and see through their education. There is a need to invest in children when they are very young.

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