Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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624. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address a matter regarding the case of a child (details supplied) with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44875/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP) programme closed permanently to new registrations on 15 November 2019 upon the commencement of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) has replaced all previous targeted childcare programmes and provides subsidies to parents based on their household income. At present families with a net household income of less than €26,000 get the maximum subsidy. Above this threshold, up to a maximum household income of €60,000 net, families will get tapered levels of subsidy.

With reference to an application for ECCE Overage Exemption in respect of the child  referred to by the Deputy, an application was received by officials in my Department on 23 February 2020. The application was refused as, if granted, the child would have been over six in his first year of primary school.  In considering applications for overage exemptions my Department is guided by expert advice that children should progress to primary school with their age cohort.

Supports are available for school aged children with additional needs, further information on which can be found on the website of the National Council for Special Education, .