Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

While I thank the Minister for her response, I have to say it has not clarified the situation. She said that a substantial number of complaints about the three entry points have been received. Like many other Deputies, I have heard differently. I accept that a small minority of providers expressed the view that the April intake could be disruptive. Many childcare providers and the parents have been calling for the retention of the other two entry points. They feel it is unfair to retain the September entry point only. I would like to know how many complaints about this aspect have been received by the Department. I do not feel that such complaints reflect the reality. My constituency office has been inundated with complaints about this measure. I know other Deputies feel the same way.

The Department has estimated that there will be an intake of 114,000 under the ECCE programme in September. If the Minister is committed to the delivery of a child-centred scheme, it is incumbent on her to ensure that no child's access to and participation in the scheme is disadvantaged by virtue of his or her date of birth. I ask the Minister to review the scheme before September. I think it would be fair for her to assure us that no child will lose his or her place on this scheme, which has worked well, because of his or her date of birth. We want to move forward and make sure we are doing our best for all children in our society. I feel this change will have a negative impact. I think it will undo all the great progress that has been made through this scheme in recent years. It is very unfair to impose a single entry point if it means children will lose out on this valuable scheme. I ask the Minister to carry out a review. People across the State have problems with the proposed enrolment dates for this scheme.

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