Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
695. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a child (details supplied) with ASD who cannot secure a school placement can remain in preschool for an additional year provided there is space in the preschool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54929/23]
View answer696. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a child (details supplied) with ASD who cannot secure a school placement can remain in preschool for an additional year provided there is space in the preschool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54930/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 695 and 696 together.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides universal, free preschool to children in the eligible age range of 2 years and 8 months to 5 years and 6 months.
The upper age limit of 5 years and 6 months for ECCE was set in consultation with the Department of Education and ensures that children transition into primary school with their peers.
In a limited number of circumstances, it is possible to apply for an exemption to the upper age limit of 5 years 6 months for finishing ECCE.
It is important to note that the overage exemption for the ECCE programme was never intended as a mechanism to delay a child’s entry to primary school or to address any issue of non-availability of a school place.
Current policy requires that any request for an overage exemption from ECCE eligibility must be supported by a letter from a medical specialist/social worker, not a GP/PHN, specifically recommending why an ECCE service would meet the child’s specific needs in a more appropriate way than a primary school.
This requirement is not intended to undermine the view of a parent/teacher or other professional in relation to the child’s needs but, rather, to maintain a clear and standard basis for applying exemptions.
Examples of accepted specialist/medical recommendations are as follows:
· Speech and Language Therapist
· Occupational Therapist
· Senior Psychologist
· Physiotherapist
· Paediatrician/developmental Neurologist
· Psychiatrist
· Psychotherapist
· Cardiologist
· Oncologist
· Ophthalmologist
· Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist)
· Gastroenterologist
· Social Worker/Early Intervention Team
This is not an exhaustive list, however it provides an example of what is accepted.
If the parents of the child referred to can provide a letter of recommendation from one of the professionals listed above, my Department can begin to process her application as soon as it is received.
Applications for an overage exemption must be made by the parents and can be sent directly to my Department via email to eyqueries@equality.gov.ie. Applications cannot be considered without this documentation.
