Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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499. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason that the number of entry points for the ECCE scheme reverted from three to one at the beginning of September 2018, which means that a child must have reached two years and eight months of age on or prior to 31 August of the relevant programme year to be eligible for the September start date; the way that this decision was arrived at; the persons who were consulted in relation to same; the insights that were gained from the consultation; the way that this could be considered a more equitable solution given that it excludes children based on their date of birth; the way that his Department can reconcile the impact of the reduction of this support on the ability of the primary carer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25867/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Prior to September 2018 there were three entry points per year to ECCE (September, January and April) and children had to be at least 3 years old to enter the scheme. This lead to a situation where there was variation in the number of ECCE weeks a child could qualify for, ranging from between 61 and 88 weeks depending on the date of birth of the child; although in reality almost no children used the 88 weeks as this would require starting in ECCE in April, close to end of the programme year.

The introduction of a single entry point aligned to the start of the primary school year ensured that all children could receive 2 full years of ECCE, or 76 weeks. This also ensures that all children can experience the full pre-school curriculum. In making this change, the minimum age was also reduced to 2 years 8 months. This has made the scheme more equitable in terms of eligibility than the older system.

A single entry point has also streamlined the administration process for providers, making it easier for them to operate and budget for the programme year. In addition it has made it easier parents to secure places on the ECCE programme for their children.

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 decision making process was informed by representations and feedback from parents, providers and other stakeholders received over the course of that particular approach being in place. Concerns raised generally related to the disparity of entitlements depending on month the child was born and the issues with integrating children into established groups in middle or towards the end of a programme year.

I would note that my Department is currently in the process of appointing a consultant to undertake a 12 month review of the ECCE programme. The purpose of the Review will be to assess whether the ECCE programme is being implemented as intended, assess whether it is meeting its core objectives and identify any enhancements that can be made based on international evidence and experience.