Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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26. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she intends to adopt the recommendations of the expert group report on the Early Years Strategy; when the Early Years Strategy will actually be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47844/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Children and Young People's Policy Framework is currently being developed by my Department. The Framework will set out the overall principles, vision and outcomes for children and young people and will guide actions across Government over the period 2014 to 2018. I expect to circulate the Framework to other Ministers in December. Following approval by Government the Framework will be published early in the New Year for discussion at a Government meeting in January. The Early Years Strategy is one of a number of more detailed strategies under the Children and Young People's Policy Framework, and it also 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 myself on recommendations for inclusion in the Strategy. The work of this group has now concluded and their comprehensive report, entitled 'Right from the Start' was recently presented to me.

The report, which provides for the first time a strategic approach to the development of Ireland's early years services, sets out a comprehensive range of recommendations for consideration and provides for a continuum of service and support for Ireland's youngest children and their families, from early childhood health, to supporting parents to ensuring quality in early years provision. This is a strategic approach for years to come and I welcome the incremental approach set out in the report. 

Development of the Early Years Strategy is underway. This includes consultation on the recommendations in the report and the Early Years Strategy. My Department is leading the consultations both bilaterally with other Government departments and through a consultation workshop with key stakeholders which is planned for 2nd December.

As soon as the Children and Young People's Policy Framework is approved by Government I intend to finalise the Early Years Strategy and submit it to Government for publication early in the New Year.