Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I have responsibility for implementation of the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which was introduced this month. Children will qualify for a free pre-school year place when they are aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months at 1 September each year. The application of this age range is being interpreted as generously as possible to include children who are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September each year. This means that in January this year children born on or after 2 February 2005 or on or before 30 June 2006 will qualify. Children born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2007 will be eligible for the free pre-school year in September 2010. I understand that the child referred to by the Deputy will qualify for the free pre-school year in September 2010, however, if his parents choose to send him to primary school at that time he will not be able to avail of the scheme.

The majority of children participating in the scheme would be expected to commence primary school between the age of 4 years and 3 months and 5 years and 6 months. The age range for eligibility under the scheme is designed to allow parents the opportunity to take up the free school place at a time that is more suitable to them. It is also necessary to the objectives of the scheme that the free pre-school provision is delivered within a structure which supports the best delivery of pre-school education. This requires a reasonably consistent age range of children attending and it is considered that the age range is appropriate.

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 305: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the future of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 20; if the school will be closing in the near future; if so, the implications for the staff at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1122/10]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.