Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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266. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current demand for places under the early childhood care and education scheme in County Cork; the way he envisions any deficit being made up in local areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38578/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme runs from September to June each year. The table below sets out the number of children registered for ECCE in Cork over the last 3 programme years.

Pobal, who administer the programme on behalf of the Department, advised that the demand for ECCE in Cork has decreased over the past 3 programme years, this follows the national trend due to demographic changes.

In relation to the availability of ECCE places in County Cork, Pobal advise that in response to high demand for ECCE places in certain areas during the 2020/21 programme year, service providers increased the number of afternoon ECCE sessions to meet local demand.

In relation to Cork City, Pobal advise that there was sufficient capacity for ECCE throughout the city region in 2020/21.

The demand for ECCE services is expected to reduce again in 2021, due to continuing demographic trends.

I would encourage any parent struggling to secure a suitable ECCE placement to contact the local Cork City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) who will work with them to secure a place.