Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 November 2018
229. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of an application for a preschool extension by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48553/18]
View answerMy Department received an application for an overage exemption for the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme from the family named on 16 October 2018.
Officials from my Department issued a response on the 22nd of October 2018 rejecting the application as the child named will have already received the full allocation of ECCE by the end of June 2019 and would be in breach of educational policy with regard to school starting age requirements if remaining in pre-school.
Further correspondence appealing this decision was received from the parents on 12 November 2018 and I understand a reply issued from my Department on 14th November 2018 upholding the original decision.
My Department and the Department of Education and Skills continue to work together to ensure that early years and school age education policies are consistent and meet the best interest of children. Supports are available for school aged children through the National Council for Special Education, affiliated to the Department of Education and Skills, to support a child in the primary school setting.
