Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

461. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a motion (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1991/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The early childhood education and care sector is largely funded and regulated by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The Department of Education and Skills plays an important role in the development and implementation of the two national practice frameworks, Síolta (quality) and Aistear (curriculum).  My Department also supports and advises the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on qualifications and workforce development and is in the process of conducting a review of education and training programmes for early years practitioners. My Department, with its agencies, works to ensure that there is a smooth transition for children from pre-school into the primary school sector and also supports the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in the implementation of AIM – the Access and Inclusion Model for children with disabilities. However, beyond the promotion of this alignment and support for quality, there is no plan to further integrate the schools sector - statutory provision for which lies with the Minister for Education and Skills - with the formal Early Childhood Education and Care sector which is the responsibility of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.