Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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154. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will reconsider the decision to deduct the payment of a client (details supplied) under the Early Childhood Care and Education scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33657/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children, in the age range 3 years and 2 months to 4 years and 7 months, before commencing primary school. A standard capitation fee of €62.50 per week per eligible child is paid to participating childcare services. A higher capitation fee of €73 per week is paid per eligible child to services with more highly qualified staff. This capitation rate is paid on the basis of a child attending for 3 hours per day, 5 days per week for 38 weeks. Where a child attends for less hours, payment is made on a pro-rata basis.

Payment is made based on the details provided by the childcare service when registering children. The ECCE programme rules are clear that any change in level of service must be notified/administered on the system. It is unfortunate that this service has lost out; however it is the responsibility of the service to manage its childcare arrangements with the parent and therefore to approach the parent in relation to the change in level of service in a timely manner.