Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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1009. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will review the ECCE scheme in order that a child born on 8 January 2018 and is due to start primary school in September 2022, is entitled to two years Montessori school under the scheme in view of the fact that such a child in these circumstances would be nearly six years of age when starting primary school under the current conditions of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8620/20]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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From September 2018, all children meeting the minimum age requirement of 2 years and 8 months are eligible for a full two programme years on the Early Childhood Care and Education programme (ECCE).

This minimum age was chosen based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also has regard to the regulatory environment for early years care and education in this country and issues such as child development readiness and adult-child ratios. The upper age limit remains the same (i.e. a child is not eligible if they will be 5 years and 6 months before the end of the programme year).

In order for a child to be eligible to be enrolled for free pre-school in September 2020 they must have been born between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2017, i.e. they must have reached 2 years and 8 months on or before 31^stAugust 2020.

In the example cited by the Deputy, the child will not be able to commence their ECCE in September 2020 as they will not have reached the age of 2 years and 8 months on or before 31st August 2020. However, they will be able to commence ECCE in September 2021, and continue for a further year from September 2022, commencing school in September 2023.

Some parents/guardians of children born around this time of the year may prefer for their children to start school at 4 rather than 5. These parents/guardians may therefore opt for 1 year of ECCE only. This decision is entirely at the discretion of the parent/s or guardian but it is important to reiterate that two full years of ECCE provision is available to all children.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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1010. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if consideration of an overage exemption in the case of a child (details supplied) in view of exceptional circumstances will be granted. [8665/20]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Officials from my Department have reviewed the application for an overage exemption referred to by the Deputy, and due to the unique circumstances of this case, have approved the application.

The parents of the child referred to by the Deputy have been informed that their child can avail of the free pre-school provision from the commencement of the programme in September 2020, for 5 days a week, to the end of the ECCE programme year.

I wish this family the very best for the future.