Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he will review the case of a person (details supplied). [12089/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The free pre-school year in early childhood care and education programme was introduced in January 2010 as a universal programme to provide children with a free pre-school year, normally in the year before they commence primary school.

There is no entitlement under the ECCE programme for a second year of free pre-school provision. Where a child has special needs, his or her parents can apply to have the pre-school year split over two years on a pro-rata basis, for example availing of the scheme for two days a week in the first year and for three days a week in the second year. However, I understand that the pro-rata option has not been availed of in the case referred to by the Deputy and the child in question will have availed of the full free pre-school provision at the end of this academic year.

Under the community childcare subvention programme which is also implemented by this Department, funding is provided to community-based childcare services to enable them to charge reduced childcare and pre-school fees to families on low incomes. Parents and children holding medical or GP visit cards will qualify for a weekly subvention payment of €33 towards the cost of a pre-school place, regardless of whether they have already benefited from the ECCE programme. Further information regarding the CCS programme can be obtained from the local city or county child care committee.