Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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539. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has any plans to change the number of entry dates into the ECCE system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46731/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme is a universal free two-year preschool programme available to all children within the eligible age range.

There are currently no plans to change the number of entry dates into the ECCE programme. The minimum eligibility age of 2 years and 8 months for the ECCE programme was chosen based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also had regard to the regulatory environment for early years education and care in this country and issues such as child development readiness and adult-child ratios. The number of entry points reverted to one at the beginning of September 2018.

This measure addressed the previous situation with regard to three entry points whereby there was a broad fluctuation in the number of free preschool weeks a child could avail of and ensures a programme that is equitable for all children.

One enrolment period at the start of the preschool year has streamlined the administration process and makes it easier for childcare providers to operate and budget for the programme year. It also makes it easier for parents to secure places on the ECCE programme for their children.