Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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684. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there is a specific grant scheme available to assist with the provision of child care facilities for preschool children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16050/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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My Department does not have a specific grant scheme available to assist with the provision of childcare facilities for pre-school children with autism.

However, in September last year, the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) was introduced. This is a new programme of supports to enable children with a disability to access and fully participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme. AIM encourages children with disabilities to attend mainstream pre-school where they can socialise with their peers. The degree of support provided depends on the needs of the child availing of the ECCE Programme, in the context of the pre-school service registered with my Department. The ECCE Programme is provided for 3 hours per day for 5 days per week. The supports provided under AIM will benefit children with a range of disabilities, including autism.

In addition, the Department of Education and Skills administers the Home Tuition Grant Scheme which provides funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend pre-school and primary school. This includes early educational intervention for children with autism who meet the scheme's eligibility criteria.

Children can avail of the both the ECCE Programme and Home Tuition Grant Scheme on a pro rata basis. However, the maximum number of combined hours which can be availed of under the two schemes is 20 hours per week for children over the age of 3.