In troubling times globally let’s focus and budget for our children

Early education is seen internationally as one of the keys to breaking the cycle of poverty — wouldn’t you think that a country that has one-in-nine of its children living in consistent poverty would finally start to put a value on the things that can break that cycle, writes Fergus Finlay.

IT SEEMS almost trivial to be talking about the budget. But on this day week, next Tuesday, from the moment you turn on your radio or open your Irish Examiner in the morning, until you lay your weary head on the pillow, you’ll be bombarded. Predictions and leaks all morning, analysis of what difference it will make to anything in the afternoon.

There was a time when all this mattered, when it did really seem to make a difference. Not any more, sadly. But why do I say it seems almost trivial? I’ll give you three reasons.