Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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1108. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to consider removing the age eligibility of two years and eight months by 31 August for the free ECCE scheme, allowing children to have two free years of preschool regardless of their starting age, preventing an extra cost on parents of children who are ready for preschool before two years and eight months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49009/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The current ECCE eligibility criteria were 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 to engage with the ECCE 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. A recent independent review of the ECCE Programme examined the issue of ECCE age eligibility in detail,. It found that children at the youngest age range might struggle with the current ECCE programme ratios, which is commonly 1 adult to 11 children in ECCE rooms.

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.