Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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190. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the timeline for publication for the early years strategy which is currently being prepared by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43947/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Early Years Strategy which is one of three, more detailed strategies under the high-level Children and Young People's Policy Framework is currently being developed by my Department.

Following my announcement that I would lead the preparation of Ireland's first Early Years Strategy, I appointed an Expert Advisory Group, chaired by Dr. Eilis Hennessy of UCD to advise my Department and I on recommendations for inclusion in the Strategy. The work of this group has now been concluded and their comprehensive report, entitled 'Right from the Start' was presented to me last week. The next step will be consultation on the recommendations in the report, which will take place over the next two months. I expect the Strategy to be brought to Government before the end of the year.