Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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860. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will confirm receipt of correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Limerick regarding early childhood care and education; if she has reviewed the comments; the actions she is likely to take subsequently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27595/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides for one free pre-school year for all eligible children before commencing primary school.

The 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 must be made prior to the child commencing the programme. There is no provision under the programme for a second full pre-school year for any child.

I received the correspondence referred to by the Deputy and a reply issued on 22nd May last. I have also received further correspondence on the issue. However, as the child in question is availing of the full free pre-school complement in the current academic year, there is no further entitlement under the ECCE programme.