Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1085. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to examine concerns raised in correspondence regarding ECCE scheme eligibility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48504/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The current lower age range for ECCE eligibility was set based on a number of considerations. Firstly, the ECCE programme is a pre-school programme based on the National Practice Frameworks - Aistear and Síolta. 2 years and 8 months is considered the youngest age where a child has the capacity for this programme.

Additionally, the lower age range was set based on Tusla regulations for minimum adult to child ratios for children in early learning and childcare settings. These regulations take account of the needs and developmental stages of children such as toilet training and sleeping arrangements. The review of the ECCE Programme found that the younger age range in pre-school might struggle with the ratios which is commonly 2 adults to 22 children in ECCE rooms.

It should be noted that the current arrangements also ensure that all children have the same entitlement of 2 years of ECCE regardless of their birth date. Based on the information you have provided regarding the child of your constituent, they qualify for a full two years of the ECCE programme - year one starting in September 2027 and year two starting in September 2028. Under previous arrangements, including multiple entry points in the year, this was not the case for all children.

An independent review of the ECCE Programme has recently been completed. As part of this review the issue of ECCE age eligibility was examined in detail. Department officials are exploring options to amend the ECCE age criteria, as committed to in the most recent Programme for Government. Any changes to these parameters will be informed by the findings of the ECCE review and comprehensive consultation with parents, children and providers who are impacted by the Scheme.