Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
663. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will advise on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the early childhood care and education scheme rules which are disadvantageous; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37130/22]
View answerWhen first introduced, the ECCE programme was delivered over 38 weeks in a given ECCE programme year and children were required to be between the ages of 3 years and 2 months and 4 years and 7 months in September in the year they enrolled.
ECCE now provides for 72 weeks over two years. To enable this, a child must now have turned 2 years and 8 months on or before the 31st August of a given programme year in order to be eligible (and cannot turn 5 years and 6 months during the programme year). . This change was based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also had regard to the regulatory requirements for early learning and care.
There is no situation in which a child is only entitled to one year of the ECCE programme and the current arrangements ensure that all children have the same entitlement, unlike an earlier multiple age entry point system. It should also be noted that whilst there is one point at which the child becomes eligible, eligible children can enter the ECCE programme at any time during the 2 year cycle.
I would also highlight the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help with early learning and childcare costs. There are two types of subsidy for children over 6 months of age:
- A universal subsidy for children under 3. Children over 3 who have not yet qualified for the ECCE programme are also eligible. It is not means tested. From September 2022, this subsidy will be extended to children of all ages up to 15.
- An income-assessed subsidy for children up to 15. It is means tested.
I would note that my Department will shortly commence a 12 month review of the ECCE programme which will consider whether the programme is meeting its objectives and subject to the findings consider whether any changes need to be made. As part of this review, there will be wide stakeholder engagement, which will include an opportunity for parents to offer their views on matters such as this. The concerns raised in this PQ will be considered in that review.
