Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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349. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the provision of a second full free preschool year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10163/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Early Childhood Care and Education programme provides one free pre-school year to all eligible children before commencing primary school. This programme represents an annual investment of €175 million in pre-school services.

The introduction of a second pre-school year would require considerable additional funding, broadly in line with the cost of the current provision. This additional funding is not currently available due to the financial constraints under which the Government is operating. In addition, all of the available evidence indicates that the quality of the pre-school provision, which is key to good outcomes for children, should be the priority. The Early Years Quality Agenda is being progressed by my Department. This involves a range of actions in key areas aimed at improving quality within early years services and enhancing the regulatory regime. These reforms are key building blocks for any further extension of universal childcare provision.

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. 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.