Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 March 2012
19 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has met the Department of Education and Skills in order to improve links and engagement between the early childhood care sector and the education system. [15100/12]
View answerA structured collaboration with my Department and the Department of Education and Skills has been put in place to ensure that policy developments through the continuum of the early childhood care and education sector and the formal education sector are developed within an overall strategic policy framework for children. The approach adopted is based on the co-location of a unit staffed by the Department of Education and Skills but physically located in my Department and reporting to Management Committees in both Departments through the appropriate line manager.
Further developments from an educational viewpoint will be considered as part of the preparation of Ireland's first Early Years Strategy. Work is under way in my Department on this new strategy.
