Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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377. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to revert to this Deputy on (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43027/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As I stated in my reply to the Deputy's previous question , the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme is funded by my Department through the provision of capitation grants paid directly to participating services. This capitation payment is for the provision of services, including preparatory and supportive work such as engagement with parents, training, planning and organisation. For the purposes of clarification, this also includes administration.

At present, 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. With effect from September 2016, these capitation rates will be restored to pre-2012 levels of €64.50 and €75 respectively.