Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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327. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans to increase the capitation grants payable to Montessori schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43765/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, 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 ECCE programme is funded by my Department through the provision of capitation grants paid directly to participating services. The standard capitation fee paid to participating services is €62.50 per week per eligible child. A higher capitation fee of €73 per week per eligible child is available to pre-school services with more highly qualified staff.

The Government succeeded in maintaining the pre-school year on a universal and free basis despite the difficult budgetary situation that prevailed in recent years. While considerable progress has been made in correcting the overall budgetary situation, the funding available to my Department following the completion of budgetary process this year does not allow for an increase in the capitation paid to childcare providers participating in the ECCE programme.