Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to introduce a second free year of early childhood care and education for children with Down syndrome who need a second year before they are ready to start junior infants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17475/13]

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 for one free pre-school year for all eligible children in the year before commencing primary school. The Government has made a very significant commitment in maintaining the pre-school year on a universal and free basis despite the current budgetary situation. The universal nature of this programme is critical for childhood development by providing every child with early learning and preparation for school.

The ECCE programme includes a number of additional provisions to take account of children with special needs. These include an exemption from the upper age limit for qualification under the programme where a child is developmentally delayed and would benefit from starting primary school at a later age. In addition, children with special needs can apply to have the pre-school year split over two years on a pro-rata basis, for example availing of the programme for 2 days a week in the first year and for 3 days a week in the second year. Application for these exemptions should be made prior to the child commencing the programme.

It is my view that it would be extremely helpful to many children if a second pre-school year were to be provided. This would be particularly beneficial for children with special needs and I would like to be in a position to deliver on this. However, the introduction of a second pre-school year would require considerable additional funding and I must operate within the financial constraints under which the rest of the Government is operating. The ECCE programme will continue to be evaluated and developed as resources permit.