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Early Childhood Care and Education Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020

Thursday, 5 March 2020

Questions (1081)

James Browne

Question:

1081. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the need for a second ECCE year for a child (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2609/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has no record of an application for a second preschool year in respect of the child named.

The child's parents should submit an application for an exemption from ECCE eligibility rules to my Department.  The Department will consider such applications having regard  to:

- the child's age.  The child should not be over 6 years of age during the exemption year (as per Educational Welfare Act, 2000), and

- the ECCE allocation taken to date.  If a child had had 2 full years of ECCE they will not be eligible for a third year.

An application for an exemption must be supported by a letter of recommendation from a medical specialist, not a GP or Public Health Nurse.

Specialists from whom a recommendation will be accepted include:

Speech & Language Therapist; Occupational Therapist; Senior Psychologist; Physiotherapist; Paediatrician/developmental; Neurologist; Psychiatrist; Psychotherapist; Cardiologist; Oncologist; Ophthalmologist; Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist); Gastroenterologist.

Applications for exemptions from ECCE eligibility can be made to EYqueries@dcya.gov.ie or by posting all relevant documentation to the following address:

Early Years Division,

Department of Children and Youth Affairs,

Block 1 - Floor 2, Miesian Plaza, 

50-58 Baggot Street Lower,

Dublin 2, 

D02 XW14.

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