Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 402: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that, under the new proposals to introduce free pre-school education, the new proposed payments to pre-school or Montessori teachers per child per month are significantly less than the service providers are currently charging; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38837/09]

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 403: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if, under the new proposals for the introduction of free pre-school education, she will allow service providers in the pre-school or Montessori sector to supplement the payment received per child per month with a top up payment from parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38838/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 403 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the implementation of the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which is being introduced in January 2010.

Under the ECCE scheme, participating services will be paid a standard annual capitation fee of €2,450 in return for the provision of the free pre-school year. The payment will be made, in advance, at the beginning of each term. I am satisfied that the capitation fee as provided for is sufficient to accommodate the majority of services as borne out by the fact that 90% of pre-school services operating in the State have applied for entry to the scheme.

Participating services may charge parents for additional services, provided these are clearly optional and children not availing of such services continue to receive appropriate programme based provision. Mandatory charges are not permitted under the scheme.

Sanction was given recently by the Government for the introduction of a higher rate of capitation of €75 a week (€2,850 per annum), for sessional services with highly qualified staff. To qualify for the higher capitation fee all Pre-School leaders must hold a Level 7 or 8 qualification relating to childcare and have 3 years experience working in the sector, and all assistants must hold a relevant level 5 qualification.