Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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99. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an overview of the key recommendations in the right from the start early years strategy; the time-line for their implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53715/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Following the announcement of the preparation of Ireland’s first Early Years Strategy, I appointed an Expert Advisory Group, chaired by Dr Eilis Hennessy of UCD, to advise the Minister and her Department on recommendations for inclusion in the Strategy. The work of this Group has concluded, and their comprehensive report, ‘Right from the Start’, was launched recently.

The report comprises 10 themes which the Group consider critical for the Early Years Strategy, with core recommendations presented under each theme. The 10 themes are:

- Economic rationale for increased investment

- Supporting families

- Health and well-being

- Access to services and inclusion

- Quality in services and supports

- Training and professional development

- Regulation and support

- Governance

- Information, research and data

- Implementation

A wide range of recommendations is set out in the report for consideration, covering issues that affect Ireland’s youngest children and their families, including early childhood health, support for parents, and ensuring quality in early years provision.

The recommendations in the report are being considered within my Department. I recently held a consultation event at which key stakeholders from a wide range of relevant areas examined the recommendations and considered whether other issues needed to be considered for inclusion in the Early Years Strategy. The report and these deliberations will contribute substantially to the final draft of the new Strategy.

The Early Years Strategy is one of a number of detailed strategies under the Children and Young People’s Policy Framework which is currently being developed. The Framework, which is nearing finalisation, 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 Government approval of the Framework, I hope to publish it early in the New Year.