Early Childhood Care and Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Questions (1327)

Gerald Nash

Question:

1327. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a policy issue raised by an person (details supplied); if he is considering any policy changes to the early childhood care and education scheme along the lines of the proposal provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39817/22]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

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 issues of age and entry requirements will form part of this review and the concerns raised in this PQ will be considered.

When 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.

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 ECE 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.