Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when an application will be processed in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29335/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, which is implemented by my Department, 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 programme, ensuring it is available to children in all areas. An application on behalf of the child care service referred to by the Deputy, in relation to the entry to the ECCE programme, is currently being processed by the Childcare Directorate of my Department. I understand that evidence of staff qualifications is still outstanding. On receipt of such evidence a decision on the application will be made and the service will be advised of the outcome.