The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal programme implemented by my Department and provides a free pre-school year for children before they commence primary school. Children born between 2 February 2009 and 30 June 2010 qualify for the free pre-school provision in the current school year. Based on the date of birth provided by the Deputy the child in question will not qualify for the free pre-school provision this year but will be eligible in the school year commencing in September 2014.