Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1391. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm the rules regarding split place exemptions as part of the ECCE scheme. [11720/25]

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1392. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a parent accepts two days per week in a community care facility (because there are only two days available), whether they may later apply and qualify for a split place exemption if they find a place in alternative childcare facility ECCE scheme for the remaining three days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11721/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1391 and 1392 together.

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides free universal pre-school to children in the eligible age range. The programme is provided for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks per year.

For the continuity of the care, education, and socialisation needs of children attending ECCE, I strongly recommend that children attend only one service where possible. However, a child’s ECCE place can be split between two services in the following exceptional cases:

• Where there is a joint custody arrangement and, because of this, it is not possible for the child to attend the same service every day.

• Where a child has an additional need and it has been recommended by the specialist preschool that the ECCE place be split between a specialist and mainstream preschool on the grounds that this is in the interest of the child.

• Where the working arrangements of the parents/guardians necessitate a split placement.

• When there is a shortage of availability for childcare at the primary service provider and the parents/guardians have to register with another ECCE service provider to ensure the child avails of the full 15 hours in the ECCE Programme.

If the parent referred to secures an ECCE place for the additional days with a second ECCE provider for their child, they can send a request to my Department for a split place exemption. They will need to provide the reason for the split placement, the service reference numbers for both ECCE providers, the child's full name as registered under the ECCE Programme, and their date of birth.

Requests for Split Place Exemptions should be submitted in writing to the Early Years Schemes Oversight Unit of the DCEDIY at EYQueries@equality.gov.ie.

I trust this information will be of assistance.