Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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599. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if correspondence from persons (details supplied) in County Cork regarding an ECCE place for their child will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6711/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I can confirm that the correspondence referred to by the Deputy was originally received in my Department on the 11th of January this year and a reply has issued.

The age limits for the Early Childhood Care and Education scheme (ECCE) were set in consultation with the Early Years Education Policy Unit of the Department of Education and Skills to limit the age range of children beginning primary school and to ensure that children transition into primary school with their peers. 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 of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA); specifically where a child is assessed as having a special/additional need. In this regard, it is a requirement of the DCYA that a letter must be provided by a medical specialist (not a GP/Public Health Nurse) specifying the child's special/additional need, and diagnosis, and that they (the medical specialist) specifically recommend an extra year of pre-school for the child. This requirement is not intended to undermine the view of a parent or teacher in relation to a child's needs but, rather, to maintain a clear and standard basis for applying for exemptions.

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs does its best to ensure, in so far as is possible, the equitable treatment of all children and families who apply for childcare funding under the ECCE Programme. In order to ensure objectivity and fairness it is essential that clear rules exist for the scheme and that they are applied in a fair manner. The rules for all the Department’s childcare schemes are clearly published to ensure transparency and consistent application.