The Minister for Children says he won't make any decision about a second year of free pre-school until an examination of the issue is completed.

James Reilly has addressed delegates of Early Childhood Learning groups, who are holding their conference this weekend.

Early Childhood Ireland say they think it would be better to provide proper funding for the existing year, rather than introduce a second one.

Minister Reilly says he'll be guided by the Inter Departmental group report on the matter:

Groups representing Early Childhood Education say more needs to be invested in the sector. 

CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, Teresa Heeney, said:“It’s ironic to watch the doctors negotiating rates for the care of under six's when the early childhood care and education sector was given no such opportunity to negotiate on rates for the early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which is totally underfunded and not sustainable for too many of our members.  

"Their entire independence was taken from them overnight. Literally overnight. And without consultation.  And there has been no negotiation since. We simply can’t consider a second year of ECCE, without getting the first year right in terms of funding, training and administration.  

“Outside of funding, inspection is a key concern and the inspection process is in danger of drowning this sector. TUSLA, the Department of Education & Science and Pobal inspect early childhood education facilities.

"This sector needs reassurances that there will be no duplication and that they will not be burdened with ever increasing amounts of paperwork. These statutory agencies must work together and with the sector to ensure that they are working in an aligned way that makes sense for children and for this sector.