Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 540: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [32870/10]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have responsibility for implementing the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which was introduced in January of this year. Children qualify for the free pre-school year when they are aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months in September of the relevant year. Based on the information provided by the Deputy, the child in question will not fall within the qualifying age range for the scheme until September 2011. While exceptions to the upper age limit for the scheme may be approved in certain circumstances, for example where a child is developmentally delayed and would benefit from participating in the pre-school year at a later age, the scheme does not provide for exceptions to the lower age limit.