Burton admits no date for second year of free pre-school

The Tánaiste said she cannot put a date on her plans for a second year of free pre-school education.

Joan Burton said the issue would have to be negotiated as part of the next programme for government.

Last night at the Labour Conference, Joan Burton said a second year of free pre-school education would be a major part of Labour's next election platform.

However, Fine Gael ministers said the plan is too expensive for now, and Joan Burton admits she will need to go in to talks on the issue.

"The programme for government is obviously a matter for negotiation, but we want to put that clearly on the list: that we think it's possible for Ireland to do, its' desirable for Ireland to do, and it's something that will actually assist the children of Ireland to develop their potential to the maximum."