Mark Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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365. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current uptake on the ECCE scheme; the number of childcare providers involved in the scheme; to provide a breakdown of these by location; what plans she has to reform or amend the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14940/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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. The programme year runs from the end of August to the following June in line with the primary school year.

The following table outlines: the uptake for the ECCE programme for the 2024-25 year; the number of childcare providers who have signed a funding agreement with my Department and a breakdown by location.

This information provided by Pobal, the administrator of the ECCE programme on behalf of my Department, is taken from the Early Years Hive system as at 25 March 2025. These figures are subject to change where for example a provider may close or a new provider may join the programme. Equally a child may leave the programme or a new child may join, as unlike school, attendance at ECCE is voluntary.

Overall, the review indicated the remarkable success of the ECCE Programme which has transformed early learning experiences and development opportunities for young children in this country.

The key parameters of the Programme were examined during this review and a number of potential enhancements were identified. Officials in my Department are currently considering these findings and scoping potential enhancements. It is important to consider the impact of any changes to ECCE in the context of its potential opportunities impacts and risks for all stakeholders.