Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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566. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children that have availed of the early childhood care and education scheme since September 2018 by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16435/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a free pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range. From September 2018, all children meeting the minimum age requirement of 2 years and 8 months will be eligible for a full two programme years. It provides children with a formal early learning experience prior to commencing primary school. The programme is provided three hours per day, five days per week, 38 weeks per year over two programme years.

ECCE contracted services and unique children registered by county (2018/2019) as at 29/03/2019