A report has put Ireland at the bottom when it comes to the amount spent on pre-primary education. It found that Ireland spends 0.10% of its GDP on pre-primary education. Regina Bushell, Chairperson of Seas Suas, a group representing independent early education and childcare providers in Ireland, said: “Once again, Ireland’s poor record on early education has been highlighted internationally. "We have the highest birth rate in Europe and the youngest population but no strategy or long-term vision for early education and care of children. We need a radical overhaul of the early years sector, an ambitious plan for extensive long-term investment, and a Government commitment to prioritising early education and care."

Source: Evening echo November 16, 2017 20:03 UTC