Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
1168. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the decision to reduce the two entry points to the ECCE scheme that existed in January and April 2018 to one annual entry point from September each year (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36613/18]
View answerAge limits have been used to determine eligibility since the inception of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme in 2010. These rules are a necessary component of any Government scheme and ensure that Exchequer funding is used for its intended purpose. In 2010, only one ECCE year, or 38 weeks, was available. This was enhanced in 2016 and, on average, children benefitted from 61 weeks. From September 2018, the additional investment secured in Budget 2018 will enable all children from the age of 2 years and 8 months to be eligible for two programme years.
The number of entry points is reverting to one at the beginning of the 2018/2019 programme year (September). The three ECCE entry points which were available for the years 2016/2017 and 2017/2018, created disruption for both service providers and parents seeking a childcare place for their child. One enrolment period at the start of the pre-school year will help streamline the administration process and will make it easier for childcare providers to operate and budget for the programme year. One entry point will also make it simpler for parents to secure places on the ECCE programme for their children.
I do, however, fully accept that the use of age limits in a scheme such as this creates a situation whereby a child can fall just outside the age range. Although my Department is examining all options around this issue, there are no immediate plans to revise the ECCE rules beyond the changes being introduced this month. A consideration of any future change would need to have regard to a wide range of issues as to what is in the best interests of all of the children participating in the scheme.
Some families of children may prefer for their children to start school at 4 rather than 5. These families may therefore opt for one year of ECCE only. This decision is entirely at the discretion of the parent(s) or guardian but it is important to reiterate that two full years of ECCE provision is available to all children.
In such circumstances, it should be noted that the new universal subsidy of up to €1,040 per year, is available to parents of children in registered childcare until the child is eligible for ECCE. Please see affordablechildcare.ie for more information.
