Budget

Although the current state of the public finances is a major constraint on public spending, investment in early care and education is particularly important during a recession, as it lays the foundations for a strong economy. 

Cost-benefit analysis of early childhood supports in the US has found lifetime returns of up to $16 for every dollar invested. Public investment in young children is the most cost-effective means of increasing Ireland’s human capital and helping to build the ‘smart economy’ of the future.

Start Strong believes the Government should increase investment in young children over the coming years as part of a strategy for national recovery. This process should be advanced in 2010 through the development of a national 10-year plan to secure the policies and supports for a comprehensive and sustainable system of early care and education in Ireland.

In the short term, as a minimum we recommend that there should be no further cuts to the level of investment in young children, an area which has already been significantly cut.

Our review of the Government's Budget 2010 is contained in our Budget Analysis.