Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 418: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he will review an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath for an additional year under the early childhood care and education scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12799/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) 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 2 days a week in the first year and for 3 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.

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he will review an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath for an additional year under the early childhood care and education scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12800/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) 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 2 days a week in the first year and for 3 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.