Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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381. 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. [43031/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The decision to extend free pre-school provided under the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme was based on recommendations set out in the Reports of the Expert Advisory Group on the Early Years Strategy in 2013 and Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment in Childcare in 2015. The latter Group consulted widely during the course of their work and all stakeholders in the early years sector were invited to make a submission. There is no record of a submission being received from the HSE (now Tusla).

With regard to the other questions raised by the Deputy, I can re-confirm that the Childcare Pre-School Regulations 2006 allow for children aged 0-6 years to be cared for in a pre-school and there is no requirement by Tusla that a child must be toilet trained before attending a private pre-school service or any pre-school service. The age range of children to be catered for in a pre-school service is a matter for each individual service.

Further, I, nor the HSE (now Tusla), are aware of any request by the HSE (now Tusla) having requested a review of the staffing levels allowed for in private pre-school providers to take into account the different levels of needs for three- to five-year-olds.