Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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385. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the early years strategy; the date by which this strategy will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14863/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I have committed my Department to producing Ireland’s first-ever National Early Years Strategy later this year.

Publication of the Strategy was identified as a key action in Better Outcomes Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People.

The development of the Strategy is being informed by national and international evidence on what makes most difference in helping to ensure that the early experiences of young children are positive. Consultation on the important issues that the strategy should address has been undertaken with young children as well as with representatives of key organisations and interest groups in the area. A further consultation event will take place in the coming months.

The National Early Years Strategy will focus on the period of early childhood, from birth to age five, and will cover all aspects of children's lives. The strategy will take a joined-up, cross-government approach to the issue of supporting children and their families during the early years.

The drafting of the Strategy is well advanced and discussions are taking place with colleagues across Government to progress its development. An Inter-Departmental Group has been convened to agree cross Departmental issues.

Development of the Strategy is a priority for me and for my Department, and I will move to publish the Strategy later this year.