Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 December 2009
115 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children if an exception to the age criteria of the early childhood care and education scheme will be allowed in respect ofa child (details supplied) in Dublin 16; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46135/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have responsibility for the implementation of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which is being introduced in January 2010. Children will qualify for the free pre-school year where they are aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months at the start of each academic year. The application of the age range is being interpreted as generously as possible, to include children who are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September each year. This will mean that, in January 2010, children born on or after 2 February 2005 or on or before 30 June 2006 will qualify. Children born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2007 will qualify for the free pre-school year in September 2010. In the case in question, I understand that the child referred to by the Deputy was aged 3 years 1 month in September of this year and will not, therefore, be eligible for the free pre-school year in January 2010 but would be eligible to qualify in September 2010.
