Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. I commend her and my Labour Party colleagues on bringing forward the proposal. The fact that the Bill is receiving more or less unanimous support shows that people are putting children at the centre of what this is all about. It demonstrates the importance of lifelong learning. The Bill covers those aged from six years to 16 years of age, but it is very important that four year olds and five year olds are included.

I note the commitment from the Government for two years of free preschool places, which is very important. The Bill is complementary to that, along with introducing youth into education earlier. A survey showed that when children are happy in education and learning from a young age, they are happier in themselves as they grow older. It gives them confidence. This is a very beneficial Bill.

It was frightening to read that close to 6,000 referrals were made in respect of children who did not attend school last year, which is quite a high figure. The Bill will help that deficit. The school completion programme and the home school liaison service are very complementary to the Bill. The Departments of Children and Youth Affairs and Education and Skills working together will achieve what is of benefit to children, in particular younger children.

Senators Ó Ríordáin and Humphreys referred to the fact that some children do not attend school due to disadvantage. It is very important that the Minister's Department and Tulsa work with the parents and guardians of the children concerned. The help and support coming from them would be of advantage to the parents and children. Close co-operation and communication is very important and the doors of communication should be kept open at all times.

I compliment the Minister on her foresight in accepting the Bill. I compliment all involved in supporting the Bill. At the end of the day, we all want a good level and high standard of education for those who are young and not so young. Lifelong learning, no matter what age one is, is very important to all of us. I commend the Bill.