Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 7: To ask the Taoiseach if he has received the fifth periodic report on the work of the National Economic and Social Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29577/08]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 8: To ask the Taoiseach when he expects to receive the next report from the National Economic and Social Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32383/08]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 9: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the recent work of the National Economic and Social Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32696/08]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 10: To ask the Taoiseach the latest report of the National Economic and Social Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35749/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 10, inclusive, together.

The fifth periodic report on the work of the National Economic and Social Forum was published in July of this year. As required under Section 8(2)(c) of the National Economic and Social Development Act, the report was submitted to Government prior to publication. Copies of the report have also been laid in both Houses of the Oireachtas.

This periodic report covers reports published by the NESF between 2003 and 2006. In broad terms, its purpose is to review implementation and follow through, mainly by Government Departments and State agencies, of the proposals contained in the reports covered. The fifth periodic report reviews the work published by the forum on the following topics: labour market issues for older people, equality policies for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, the policy implications of social capital, early childhood care and education, care for older people and creating a more inclusive labour market.

Questions in relation to specific policy areas would be appropriate for reply by the Minister with the relevant responsibility. The next report I expect to receive from the NESF is that relating to the fifth meeting of the Social Inclusion Forum, which took place last week in Croke Park. A conference report on the proceedings will be published and circulated to each Member of the House.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Is the Taoiseach aware that the fifth periodic report of the work of the National Economic and Social Forum states that Ireland continues to rate among the lowest investors in early childhood care and education? Does he accept that little progress has been made regarding the implementation of the policy decisions set out in the Government's White Paper on early childhood care and education, which if he recalls, was published in 1999?

What is the Taoiseach's position on the central recommendation of the report of the NESF to the effect that the State should provide and fund high quality care for children in the year before they commence their primary school education? Will he not accept that it is a damning indictment of the Government's record on child care that a body such as the NESF, which was established by the Government, would outline with such forcefulness its concern and recognition of the failure of Government to act in the interests of young people? How will he rectify this major failure to invest in young children here in this country?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I do not accept the contention that there has not been major investment in young people in this country. On the contrary, billions of euro are being expended in respect of child care and early child care supplement. There has been a doubling and more in the education budget in recent years together with an historic capital investment programme to improve the working environment in which teachers educate children, apart from the very large expansion in child care services taking place in the health service. Therefore, I reject the contention that there is no investment in child care issues in Ireland — quite the contrary. All of this is being addressed within the programme of Towards 2016 and the social partnership framework for these issues.

Regarding the function of the NESF, it is charged with advising the Taoiseach on policies to achieve greater equality and social inclusion, as well as on such other matters as may be specified by the Taoiseach in the context of social partnership arrangements — by analysing, evaluating and monitoring viable programmes and policies — and to facilitate public consultation on policy matters as referred to by the Government from time to time.

The NESF's advisory role is well respected and well noted. With regard to the specific report mentioned by the Deputy, the NESF welcomed the Government's decision to establish the Office of the Minister for Children, which plays a lead role in driving forward the process of change and reform in this sector. The work of county and city child care committees was also commended. The forum noted the establishment of an interdepartmental group to develop a national child care training strategy and the launch of national guidelines for child minders, which are positive developments in this area. The NESF further noted that regulations in the area of inspection and evaluation of pre-school facilities are to be strengthened and published.

In the report, the forum expressed regret that little strategic attention has yet been paid to reform of primary schools in terms of facilities, etc., and also expresses disappointment that one of its key recommendations, namely, the Government provision, free of charge, of a high quality pre-school session of 3.5 hours a day for all children, has not been accepted. That is noted and we shall continue, as resources allow, to consider these matters. However, I do not accept the very negative orientation that was put by the Deputy.