Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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324. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost of introducing a universal pre-school session of 3.5 hours per day, five days a week for all children aged between three and five years. [3328/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children, in the age range 3 years and 2 months to 4 years and 7 months, before commencing primary school.

The programme is designed to be delivered for three hours per day, five days per week, over 38 weeks (183 days per year), and capitation fees are paid to participating services on the basis of this provision. The programme is based on the primary school model, under which primary schools are required to open on 193 days per year (equivalent to 38.6 weeks). There are no plans to increase the current provision within the pre-school year or to extend the age range for eligibility. It is estimated that increasing the number of hours to 3.5 per day for the current cohort of eligible children would cost in the region of €28 million.

There is an increasing body of Irish and international evidence quantifying the benefits of early years interventions in terms of improving outcomes for children and in delivering significant and societal return to the State. In this context, I believe that the introduction of a second free pre-school year would benefit children’s educational and developmental outcomes.

The introduction of a second pre-school year would require considerable additional funding which is not currently available. In addition, all of the available evidence indicates that the quality of the pre-school provision is key to good outcomes for children. The actions contained in the Early Years Quality Agenda, which involves a range of measures in key areas aimed at improving quality within early years services and enhancing the regulatory regime, are currently being implemented.

Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures,the national policy framework for children and young people 2014-2020, recognises the value of early childhood care and education in supporting children’s early cognitive, social and emotional development, and the Government is committed to the introduction of a second free pre-school year within the lifetime of the framework once the required quality standards are achieved, and subject to the availability of resources.

Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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325. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the funding of early childhood education; if this will be increased in the coming years; the amount of the increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3517/15]

John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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326. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans for investing in the early childhood care and education sector in 2015; if plans are being considered for tax credits to assist working parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3531/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 326 together.

There is clear evidence that investing in childcare services which provide quality care and education for children in their early years has significant dividends for both the children themselves and for society as a whole. Ensuring the best possible outcomes for children in their early years is therefore an important element in future economic planning.

The case for investing in children and young people on both social and economic grounds is supported by a body of international evidence. As the Minister with responsibility for this key area, I have established a cross-Departmental group at senior level to develop a whole-of-Government approach to future investment in early childhood care and education and after-school care. The group will undertake an economic and cost benefit analysis of policies and future options for increasing the supply, accessibility and affordability of quality childhood care and education services.

It is clear that accessibility, affordability and high quality childcare can play a critical role in achieving a number of Government priorities, including improving educational outcome for children, reducing poverty and increasing parents' participation in the labour market. The importance of this area is reinforced by continuing economic improvement and job growth and an increased focus on activation for those currently outside the labour market.

To ensure that all the potential benefits can be realised, future public investment in childcare must be evidence-based and strategically coordinated. It must look at the provision right across the 0 to 6 age group as well as consider the after-school needs of older school-going children. It is crucial, therefore, that we develop a coherent cross-Government approach to investment in childcare services.

The group which I propose to establish will include representatives of the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Finance and the Department of the Taoiseach and will be led and supported by my Department. I will be asking that the work of this group be carried out within a relatively short time frame and I expect that the group will be in a position to report to me in the Summer.