First 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028

First 5 is Ireland’s first ever cross-departmental strategy to support babies, young children and their families.

The ambitious ten-year plan will deliver:

• a broader range of options for parents to balance working and caring
• a new model of parenting support
• new developments in child health, including a dedicated child health workforce
• reform of the Early Learning and Care (ELC) system, including a new funding model
• a package of measures to tackle early childhood poverty