Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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682. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if, with regard to eligibility for the second ECCE year, an application can be considered in respect of a child whose date of birth falls marginally outside the qualifying date but certain extenuating circumstances apply; her Department's policy relating to exceptions to the eligibility rule and the basis on which exceptions can be made; the process concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7376/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Early Childhood and Education Programme (ECCE) programme was expanded from September 2016 so that children may start free pre-school from age three, and can continue in free pre-school once the child is not older than five years and six months at the end of the relevant pre-school year.

Three different points in the year - September, January and April – are in place to maximise access for these children within the overall eligibility parameters.

An upper age limit in free pre-school was set by the Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment on the advice of the Department of Education and skills. Limiting the diversity in age ranges in primary school is considered to be generally in the best interest of children, in relation to peer interaction in junior infants, as well as other educational considerations.

Parents may request an exemption from ECCE eligibility criteria under limited circumstances from the Department; specifically where a diagnosed special need exists. However, this must be supported by a medical assessment report from the HSE or a listed medical specialist, specifying the child's special need and diagnosis. Further details including a list of relevant medical specialists is available on my Departments website.