Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

254. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an extra year on the ECCE scheme will be awarded to a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14407/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Current policy requires that any request for an overage exemption from ECCE eligibility criteria must be supported by a letter from a HSE/Medical Specialist (not a GP/PHN) specifically recommending an extra year of pre-school for the child. This requirement is not intended to undermine the view of any parent/teachers/GP/PHN etc. in relation to a child's needs but, rather, to maintain a clear and standard basis for applying for exemptions.

Examples of the type of specialist/medical letters accepted in order to approve an exemption are as follows:

Speech and Language Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Senior Psychologist

Neurologist

Psychiatrist

Cardiologist

Oncologist

Ophthalmologist

Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist)

Gastroenterologist

This is not an exhaustive list, however it provides an example of what may be accepted. 

All ECCE overage exemption requests must be sent to my Department via email: eyqueries@dcya.gov.ie or alternatively by post: Overage Exemptions, Early Years, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, 43-49 Mespil Rd, Dublin 4. 

As soon as my Department receives the documentation requested, the application will be processed.