Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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56. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps he has taken and when he will establish a group to agree a model for afterschool care, including a quality framework (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4559/16]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Inter-Departmental Working Group on Future Investment in Childcare, which reported in July 2015, recommended that my Department, with relevant partners, should develop a model for after-school care, including a quality standards framework.

My Department will shortly be establishing a Working Group to develop quality standards for after-school and out-of-school care. In preparation for this, and in accordance with the Working Group’s recommendations, my Department considers it important to seek the views of children of primary school age in relation to what their concerns and priorities would be. The Department is currently planning consultations with children aged 5 to 12 years. The plan is to work separately with 5-7 year olds and 8-12 year olds. It is anticipated that this consultation will be completed by June 2016.