Reilly: I have to fight my corner for pre-school scheme
The Minister for Children, James Reilly, says a review of the free pre-school scheme will determine whether a second year should be provided.
Mr Reilly has addressed delegates of Early Childhood Learning groups, who are holding their conference this weekend.
Pay and conditions, as well as the partially free pre-school programme, are all on the agenda.
Early Childhood Ireland say they think it would be better to provide full free pre-schooling for a year, rather than introducing a second year of partially funded early education.
Minister Reilly says he is waiting for an Inter-Departmental group report to help shape his decision.
He said: "It is a priority for me to address the cuts that had to be made during the economic downturn.
"So obviously I have to fight my corner at government on this, I have to await the recommendations from the IDG, but I think it's an area we all acknowledge is causing real difficulties for people who are trying to provide the programme."
