Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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563. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if an application for ECCE time extension exemption for a child (details supplied) which was refused will be reviewed on the basis that this child is waiting on an assessment with the child and disability team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51320/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides universal, free pre-school to children in the eligible age range of 2 years and 8 months to 5 years and 6 months.

The child referred to was eligible for ECCE in September 2020 and for a second year in September 2021.

The upper age limit of 5 years and 6 months for ECCE was set in consultation with the Department of Education and ensures that children transition into primary school with their peers.

In certain circumstances an over age exemption can be given to enable children with additional needs to remain in ECCE past this age limit. Current policy requires that any request for an exemption from ECCE eligibility must be supported by a letter from a medical specialist / Social Worker (not a GP/PHN) specifically recommending an exemption for the child.

This requirement was communicated to the parent of the child referred to and once the documentation is received, the application can be processed. Applications cannot be considered without this documentation.

In making determinations on applications for over age exemptions, my Department is guided by a review of the over-age exemption process, which was carried out in 2018 by the National Disability Authority (NDA) for this Department and the Department of Education.

‎In their published report, the NDA concluded that it is in the best interest of children with additional needs to transition to primary school with their age cohort, rather than being held back with children of a younger age. The report also sought to ensure that schools offer all the assistance necessary to meet the child's needs, with the assistance of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).