Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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207. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the early childhood care and education scheme; if she will ensure that the payment is expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52233/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides for a free pre-school year to all eligible children in the year before they commence primary school.

In the region of 4,300 childcare services are participating in the ECCE programme and submit enrolment details for approximately 68,000 children to my Department at the commencement of the academic year. The enrolment details include the child's PPS number which is verified with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to ensure the eligibility of each applicant. In cases where the PPS number or the date of birth submitted is incorrect, further evidence of the correct details is requested from the childcare service.

The details provided for the child referred to by the Deputy were not verified by the DSP and it was necessary to request additional information from the service provider. This information has been received and processed and I understand that the payment issued on 3 December 2013.