Early investment best cure for child poverty

It’s time to plan a clear and coherent strategy for future public investment in childcare, writes Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Dr James Reilly

As organisations focused on childcare and early education plan to rally outside the Dáil today, I would like to state my appreciation for the immense value of the contribution of people who work in this sector. I also want to make it clear that I agree with them that investment is needed.

I use the word ‘investment’ deliberately. Because an investment in children really is an investment in all of our futures. When every child has a real chance of reaching their potential, we all benefit from the contribution they make to our collective wellbeing.