Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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117. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the early years strategy, originally promised for 2012, will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2203/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The objective of Ireland's first Early Years Strategy is to create an innovative and dynamic blueprint for the future development of Ireland’s early years sector and a coherent approach to seeking to improve the lives of children from birth to 6 years.

The Early Years Strategy will address a range of issues affecting children in their first years of life such as child health and well-being, parenting and family support, learning and development and play.

Considerable work has been done on the development of the Early Years Strategy. The work of the Expert Advisory Group, Right from the Start, has greatly informed the work to date. I have signalled my intention to conduct focused consultations with relevant parties across the early childhood care and education sector before concluding my own deliberations on the Strategy. I am also mindful of the importance of other work which is being undertaken in parallel in respect of the future investment priorities in respect of childcare. Taking account of these developments, I expect to be in a position to publish the Strategy once my own consultations have concluded in the coming months.