Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for Health and Children how she is promoting the early childhood care and education scheme; how she is making parents aware of participating pre-schools in their locality and the cut-off date for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41459/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the implementation of the new free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which is being introduced in January 2010. Following the announcement of the ECCE scheme in the April 2009 Supplementary Budget, an information leaflet entitled "Guide for Parents to the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)" was issued by my Office in July of this year with a covering letter to all to parents of children who will qualify to participate in the scheme in January next. The leaflet provided details of the scheme as well as contact details for the 33 City and County Child care Committees who are assisting my Office in implementing the scheme and who are well-placed to provide additional information and local details to parents.

The City and County Child care Committees have been proactive in promoting the scheme at local level and have held parent information nights which have been well-attended. Information regarding the scheme is also available from my Office including its website (www.omcya.ie) which is updated on a regular basis. My Office has also been in contact with all pre-school services in regard to the scheme and I also understand that many service providers are advertising that they propose to participate in the scheme and provide free pre-school places from January. Approximately 4,200 pre-school services have applied to enter the scheme and applications are no longer being accepted. A list of services approved to participate in the scheme will be available shortly from the City and County Child care Committees (CCCs).