Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I do not have those figures to hand. However, as I have said, the scheme has enjoyed a very high take-up rate, with 94% of all eligible children participating. The 17-month eligibility range was seen to provide a broad enough range to encompass the vast majority of children within the appropriate age cohort. It is legally permissible for children to commence primary school once they have reached four years of age, but it could be said there is a preference inherent in the scheme in that children born in July and August must wait until they reach five years of age to commence primary education. Cases have been brought to my attention where parents are eager to avail of the preschool year but also want their child to start school having just reached the age of four.

The decision was taken prior to my arrival on the basis that the 17-month range was preferable in terms of providing the type of preschool experience that would best benefit children. That criterion has been appealed to the Ombudsman, who found in favour of the Department and that the age range was acceptable. There will always be children who fall outside the cohort. From a policy point of view, this age range was seen as the most appropriate for preschool services.

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