Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor has encouraged parents and guardians in Dún Laoghaire to give their views on future investment in early years and school-age (after-school and out-of-school) care and education services.

“The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. James Reilly, T.D., is extending the time-frame for parents and guardians to contribute to the consultation process related to childcare and early education. Monday the 4th of May was scheduled to be the closing day for submissions. However Minister Reilly has now extended that deadline and new closing date/time for parents and guardians to give their views is midnight on Sunday 10th of May.

“The Inter-Departmental Group is hard at work examining issues related to childcare and early education. It’s very important that we hear the views of all relevant stakeholders especially from parents.

“As part of this public consultation process, the Minister wants to find out what is working well and learn where he can best direct investment to improve the accessibility, affordability and quality of Ireland’s early years and school-age care and education services over the coming years.

“The Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment in Early Years and School-Age Care and Education Services will report to government with costed options for decision by the summer.

“Further details and links to theses consultation forms are available on the Department of Children and Youth Affairs website at: www.dcya.gov.ie.”