Written answers

Wednesday, 15 April 2015

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Early Child Care Education

Photo of Seán KyneSeán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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18. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in relation to the Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures policy framework from 2014 to 2020, the progress at achieving the commitment to introduce a second free preschool year, which is envisaged for introduction before the end of the policy framework duration; and if consideration is being given to enhancing and extending the hours currently provided under the first preschool year, as a precursor to the introduction of the second year. [14469/15]

Photo of James ReillyJames 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 more than €170 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. I would like to be in a position to increase our investment in childcare-related programmes. This will take time, as the benefits of growth generate the required resources. However, I am determined that all such spending, whether existing or additional, will be based on good evidence and be strategically co-ordinated, so that we achieve the best possible benefits for children and parents.

As you are aware, the Inter-Departmental Group which I recently established will look at early years provision right across the 0 to 6 age group, as well as consider the after-school needs of school-going children. It is crucial that we develop a coherent whole-of-Government approach to investment in childcare services and the Group has been asked to report to me by the Summer.

All the available evidence indicates that the quality of the pre-school provision is key to good outcomes for children. 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.

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 and any recommendations emanating from the Inter-Departmental Group.

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