Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 December 2012
162. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if resources for a national implementation programme regarding Síolta, Aistear and the national literacy and numeracy strategy will be a key feature of the forthcoming national early years strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56135/12]
View answerThe implementation of Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood, and Aistear, the Early Education framework, is being overseen by the Early Years Education Policy Unit of the Department of Education and Skills, which is co-located with my Department.
The National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy was formally launched by my colleague,the Minister for Education and Skills, last year.
Future developments relating to early years care and education are being considered as part of the preparation of the National Early Years Strategy which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2013. The Strategy will cover a range of issues affecting children in their first years of life, such as health, family support, learning and development and care and education. The Strategy will identify the structures and policies needed to improve early years experience in Ireland and it is expected that the issue of resources to support frameworks referred to by the Deputy will be considered as part of this process.
