Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will investigate whether a newly established crèche (details supplied) in County Wicklow is eligible for funding under the early childhood care and education scheme for the upcoming academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20234/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme was introduced in January 2010 and provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children in the year before commencing primary school. Almost every pre-school service in the State is participating in the ECCE, ensuring that it is available to children in all areas, and 63,000 children, or 94% of the eligible age cohort, are currently availing of the pre-school year.

The deadline for application to enter the ECCE was 1 April 2011. While the service mentioned by the Deputy sought to join the programme after the deadline had passed, I understand that special circumstances applied. Consequently, I understand that officials in my Department are giving active consideration to admitting the service in time for the September 2011 contractual period. No further late applications will be accepted at this stage.