Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 12 Dec 2017

Written Answers Nos. 450-469

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (450)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

450. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review a matter relating to a driving test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53103/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I appreciate the difficult position this person is in. However, this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.   I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.

Road Safety

Ceisteanna (451)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

451. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to switch the designated cycling lane and pedestrian lanes in the Phoenix Park following recommendations by the Coroner's Court (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53104/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, the Phoenix Park is under the management of the Office of Public Works. Accordingly, I am forwarding the Deputy’s question to the OPW for direct response to you. If you have not received a further reply within 10 working days please contact my office.

Dublin Bus Services

Ceisteanna (452)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

452. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the 67 Dublin Bus service has capacity issues and is failing to meet demand for Celbridge (details supplied); his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53112/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (453)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

453. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the bus connect network review report; when the report will be published; and when it will be open to public consultation. [53126/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following the mid-term review of the Capital Plan, Budget 2018 provided for an increase in the multi-annual capital investment for public transport with a four-year capital envelope of €2.7 billion over the period 2018-2021. The increased funding will allow rollout of a number of key programmes to address congestion and emerging capacity constraints on our public transport system across our cities.

This includes investment of over €770 million for the BusConnects programme to address growing congestion in the Dublin region in the short to medium term.

In June, the NTA launched the Dublin Area Bus Network Redesign Choices Report for online public consultation. The report reviewed the pattern of transport demand across the Dublin region and the structure of the existing bus network. It identified certain issues with the current bus system and proposed possible strategies that could address those deficiencies. The NTA sought the public’s view on the issues raised in the Choices Report and, in particular, on the possible strategies that could be implemented in the redesign of the bus network. The responses to the Choices Report survey will be used to inform the network redesign process.

Work is ongoing on the redesign of the bus services network and also on infrastructure proposals for core bus corridors which will be an integral part of the programme. When this work is completed the proposals will be launched for public consultation in the first half of next year. The results of the public consultation will inform the final decisions to be made on the network redesign and the core bus corridors.

Sports Capital Programme Eligibility

Ceisteanna (454)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

454. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a club's application (details supplied) was deemed ineligible for sports capital funding. [53179/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that the organisation referred to applied for a grant under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme. 

When the 2017 Programme was advertised my Department issued a guide to filling out the application form which set out the Department’s minimum requirements that applicants had to meet to be considered for funding. 

While I do not think that it is appropriate to publish the specific reasons why individual applications were deemed invalid at this stage, applications were deemed invalid primarily for one or more of the following reasons:

- Title/Access requirements of the Sports Capital Programme not satisfied;

- Evidence of own funding not provided in prescribed format;

- Insufficient own funding. 

All applicants have now been contacted with details of the outcome of the assessment of their application, including details of why applications were deemed invalid.  Relevant organisations have also been informed that they may appeal these decisions if they believe that an error has been made in deeming their application invalid.

Road Safety

Ceisteanna (455, 457)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

455. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he was consulted by the National Transport Authority, NTA, before a decision was taken not to insert rubber inserts on the new Luas cross city tram lines to accommodate cyclists and to make it safer. [53213/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Robert Troy

Ceist:

457. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make funding available to provide rubber inserts at designated stretches of Luas tram lines to improve safety for cyclists. [53215/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 455 and 457 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that cycling arrangements have been put in place along many sections of the Luas Cross City route however along certain sections there is the potential for cyclists to interact in relatively restricted space with trams, buses and taxis. This arrangement has given rise to safety concerns at these specific locations, with the possibility of bicycle wheels becoming caught in the grooves of the tram tracks.

Because of these concerns the NTA, as sanctioning authority, is requesting TII to erect signs advising cyclists not to cycle along the relevant sections. In the city centre, this includes Grafton Street (between College Green and Nassau Street), Nassau Street (between Grafton Street and Dawson Street) and the north end of Dawson Street.

I am informed that trials abroad for installing a rubber insert, or similar, into rail grooves have not been successful, with the material becoming ripped and dislodged by the tram wheels during operation. Therefore, the NTA does not propose to use that approach. An alternative approach which would provide a satisfactory long-term solution has not yet been identified to the NTA that would provide a hazard-free surface along tram lines, while accommodating significant tram, bus, taxi and cyclist movements. Collaboration is ongoing between NTA, TII and the City Council and will guide the future approach to this matter.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply with regard to the issues raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.

Cycling Facilities Data

Ceisteanna (456)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

456. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of cyclists in the past ten years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53214/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I wish to advise the Deputy that the numbers cycling have increased year on year, with the recent 2016 Census showing a 43% increase in the numbers cycling to work on the 2011 figures. I have attached a table showing the numbers cycling to and from work or school, according to the latest figures from the CSO.

In relation to cycling and walking, as the Deputy is aware, I have secured funding of €116 million in Budget 2018 for the development of cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area and Regional Cities over the next four years to 2021. This programme will enhance the network of urban walking and cycling routes that provide viable alternatives and connectivity with existing public transport infrastructure. This programme will also address safety considerations in relation to cycling by providing enhanced infrastructure with a focus on high quality corridors, complemented by behavioural change, awareness and education programmes for cyclists and pedestrians.

Furthermore, a considerable upgrade of cycling infrastructure in the Dublin region will also be delivered under BusConnects through the provision of segreated cycling facilities alongside key routes into the city centre and reorganised radial routes.

Persons Usually Resident and Present in the State 1986 to 2016 (Number) by at work school or college, Means of Travel, Sex and Census Year, Population aged 15 years and over at work

2006

2011

2016

Bicycle

All/both sexes

36,306

39,803

56,837

Question No. 457 answered with Question No. 455.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Ceisteanna (458, 459, 467, 468, 470, 472, 477, 478, 479, 484)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

458. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the overage exemption to the early childhood care and education, ECCE, scheme has been abolished in view of the potentially harmful effects of this abolition, in particular on children with special needs such as in the case of a person (details supplied). [52654/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

459. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department has concluded its review of the overage exemption; if she will publish this report upon its completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52688/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Noel Rock

Ceist:

467. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has given consideration to reversing the decision to no longer accept applications for overage exemptions for the ECCE programme from the 2018/2019 programme year; if not, the reason this decision was made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52765/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pat Deering

Ceist:

468. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason for removing the overage exemption from the early childhood care and education scheme from September 2018; the reason for the assessment that was made in advance of this decision with respect to the impact this decision will have on children with special needs (details supplied); if consideration will be given to reversing the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52860/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

470. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the ECCE overage exemption is not being kept in place alongside the additional ECCE year for the small number of children that may need to avail of it. [52993/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

472. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the assessments that have been carried out in respect of the impact the removal of the ECCE overage exemption will have on children with special needs. [52995/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joe Carey

Ceist:

477. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason for the removal of the overage exemption from the early childhood care and education scheme from September 2018; the assessment made in advance of this decision with respect to the impact this decision will have on children with special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53047/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

478. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will reverse the decision to remove the overage exemption from the early childhood care and education scheme from September 2018; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the removal of this exemption will adversely impact on many children in their preparation to enter primary school and is a cause of serious concern to many parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53055/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

479. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the assessment that was made in advance of the decision to remove the overage exemption for the ECCE scheme with respect to the impact this decision will have on children with special needs, their classmates and teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53067/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

484. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on the abolition of the overage exemption in the free preschool programme for children with disabilities; if the concerns of parents will be given consideration; if certainty and reassurance will be provided that this programme will remain in its current format and not be subjected to cuts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53136/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 458, 459, 467, 468, 470, 472, 477 to 479, inclusive, and 484 together.

It is important to be clear that there has been no withdrawal, or proposal to withdraw, any ECCE provision for children with disabilities. All children will be eligible to 76 weeks or 2 academic years of ECCE from September 2018. On Wednesday 6 December I announced that I have paused a decision on the upper age limit exemption for ECCE so that further consultation with parents can occur. This means that for the 2018/2019 ECCE year the overage exemption will continue to be available. Since ECCE was introduced in 2010, approximately 500 children availed of the exemption each year, although for reasons set out below, it is expected that much fewer than this would have applied in 2018. I hope that my decision of last Wednesday will bring the parents who planned to apply for this overage exemption from September 2018 some relief and I encourage them to make sure their views are represented in the consultation that will occur over the coming months, the details of which I will publish shortly.

It is important that I set out the rationale for the original decision. The recent announcement of changes was designed to support the achievement of better outcomes for children with disabilities. No child would have lost out as a result of the overage exemption being removed.

Overage exemptions were introduced at the onset of the ECCE programme in 2010. At that time, the ECCE Programme only operated for a 38 week period, or one programme year. For some children with special/additional needs, attending preschool five days a week was not feasible and so an allowance was made to enable them split ECCE over 2 years, for example, a child may have availed of 3 days ECCE provision in year one and 2 days in year two. Their total ECCE provision remained at 38 weeks.

In order to facilitate this, in the cases where the child would have been over the age limit for ECCE (5 years and 6 months when finishing ECCE) an overage exemption was approved. This flexibility was never intended to conflict with the legislative requirement to start school by age six. The law and policy on school start-age is clearly established in Ireland. Children should be in school by the time they are six and the primary school system has a variety of resources to support children with disabilities. If children are not in school by the age of six, under the Educational Welfare Act, the Educational Welfare service of Tusla must be satisfied that the child is receiving a minimum standard of education in a place other than a recognised school. Tusla does this by sending Educational Welfare Inspectors out to the place of the child's education. Should this be required, this would be in addition to the Early Years Inspectorates funded by my Department.

Since ECCE was first introduced, DCYA has worked, with some success, to improve the pre-school experience for children with disabilities and to optimise their early development. The two main enhancements are:

- ECCE provision currently averages at 61 weeks, up from 38 weeks, and it will expand further to 76 weeks from September 2018. This is in keeping with good international practice.

- The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) has been introduced with 7 different levels of support for children with disabilities. Over 4,000 children have so far benefited from targeted supports and many multiples of this from universal supports available under AIM.

Purely in the best interests of children, and for no other reason, a proposal was considered to remove the overage exemption to the upper age limit to the programme. This was signalled last year, but in order to give longer notice to parents and providers, the planned introduction was delayed until September 2018. The motivation underpinning this development is entirely evidence based. Children with a disability benefit from early intervention, high quality early childhood care and education and high quality primary school education. In this regard my Department is complementing the work of the HSE's role in early intervention and the Department of Educations and Skill's role in high quality primary school education by:

- expanding the ECCE programme so that all children have access to a full 76 weeks, double what was available in 2010.

- providing access to the comprehensive suite of resources under the Access and Inclusion model (AIM), introduced in September 2016.

The evidence is that children with a disability should start school with their peers once they have access to high quality and inclusive primary school education. The evidence is also that they should become teenagers with their peers and transition to secondary school with their peers.

The original decision to remove the overage exemption was made with the Department of Education and Skills (DES) and in close collaboration with members of the AIM Cross-Sectoral Implementation Group, which includes representatives from the National Council for Special Education, the National Disability Authority, the HSE, a representative of parents of children with special needs and a representative of early years providers. There was broad agreement that, in light of the very significant developments and improvements to free pre-school education, both in terms of the two year duration of ECCE and the range of supports available, and the very significant supports that are in place for children in primary schools, the overage exemption would no longer support the overarching policy aim that children should transition to primary school with their peers. The decision acknowledged the supports provided by the relevant primary school, the National Council for Special Education and other bodies as required.

Notwithstanding the strong evidence base underpinning this proposal as being in the best interests of the children concerned, and the significant enhancements to the ECCE scheme in terms of two years' duration and access to AIM supports, measures which effectively address the reasons for introducing the overage exemptions in the first place, I am also conscious of the need to listen further to those with concerns. To this end, as stated above, I have paused the proposed change and committed to consulting more widely with parents of children with disabilities. I have also committed to having this consultation completed by mid 2018.

Child Safety

Ceisteanna (460)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

460. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if allegations of inappropriate behaviour with the children of a person (details supplied) have been investigated; if a related agreement has been reached including a confidentiality clause in respect the complaint or in parallel with the complaint; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52697/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

While it is not appropriate for me to comment on an individual case, Tusla have advised me that the person named made a complaint in 2009 and a report on the findings in relation to this complaint was issued to him in 2010. Tusla have also advised me that no agreement, as referred to by the Deputy, has been made.

I can confirm that Officials in my Department have also written to the complainant to offer advice and assistance in relation to this matter.

Early Childhood Care and Education Programmes

Ceisteanna (461, 462, 463)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

461. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of applications that were made under the overage exemption in each year since 2016. [52701/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

462. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of successful applications that were made under the overage exemption in each year since 2016. [52702/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

463. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the additional cost incurred to her Department as a result of overage exemptions being approved in each year since 2016. [52703/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 461 to 463, inclusive, together.

The ECCE scheme, when introduced in 2010, allowed for exemptions from the upper age limit in exceptional circumstances where a child had special needs. Applications for such exemptions must be submitted in writing to the DCYA, and must include a letter of recommendation from a medical specialist (not a GP) supporting the application for the child to avail of the overage exemption.

The figures below set out:

- Total applied for 2016/2017

- The number of approved applications for 2016/2017,

- The numbers of unsuccessful applications due to lack of medical recommendation paperwork for 2016/2017. On occasion parents or service providers have made an application for an overage exemption but neglected to supply the required letter from a qualified medical specialist. In these cases officials from my Department have made contact with the parents requesting the submission of this letter. However, if no letter of recommendation is forthcoming, my Department has been unable to proceed with the application process.

- Total approved for 2017/2018

- The number of approved applications for 2017/2018, and,

- The number of applications awaiting the medical recommendation paperwork for 2017/2018 programme year. (Please note that we keep those applications pending until we hear back from the applicant or until the programme year is closed).

2016/2017 - Approved

2016/2017 - No medical recommendation supplied

2017/2018 - Approved

2017/2018 - In Process (Incomplete applications-No Medical Paperwork) (Applications are still open for this programme year)

2018/2019 - (Pre-approved)

447

25

434

58

6

Total Applications: 472

Total Applications: 492

Total Applications: 6

Traditionally under the ECCE scheme, an overage exemption was made available in cases where a child had special needs and required the ECCE year (then 38 weeks only) to be split over two years. Children approved for this measure merely split their entitlement over 2 years, attending for 2 days per week for the first year and 3 days per week for the second year for example.

An overage exemption did not change the entitlement to the number of ECCE weeks therefore it was intended to be a cost neutral measure. My officials are currently examining whether any additional expenditure was incurred.

Childcare Services Provision

Ceisteanna (464)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

464. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the independent review of the cost of delivering quality childcare; the date by which she anticipates this review being published; and if she will publish this review upon its completion. [52705/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Independent Review of the Cost of Providing Quality Childcare is a critical input to the on-going reform of childcare in Ireland and is a commitment in the Programme for Government.

This review seeks to:

- Analyse the current costs of providing childcare in Ireland and factors that impact on those costs;

- Develop a model of the unit cost/costs of providing childcare that allows analysis of policy changes and variation in cost-drivers, including the potential impact of increased professionalisation; and

- Provide an objective, high level market analysis of the childcare sector in Ireland, including analysis of fee levels charged to parents.

The contract to undertake this Review was awarded to Crowe Horwath in September 2017. A literature review is currently underway and preliminary stakeholder engagement has already commenced.

These initial steps will inform subsequent steps of the review, including a survey of childcare providers in early 2018 and the development of a cost model and cost calculator.

This review is expected to take approximately 10 months to complete with the final report expected in June 2018. This report will published.

Childcare Services Staff

Ceisteanna (465, 466)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

465. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made on the sectoral employment order for the early years sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52706/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

466. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures she is undertaking to improve the pay and conditions for those working in the early years sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52707/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 465 and 466 together.

Childcare workers play a critical role in delivering high quality childcare services and they deserve to be recognised, valued and respected for this. My Department acknowledges that pay and conditions are major issues facing the sector and can lead to difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff.

My Department is somewhat constrained in what it can do in this regard as it is not an employer of childcare workers. However it is of course a major funder of the childcare sector. It is important to note that the most important stakeholders in putting agreed pay structures in place in any sector are recognised employers and employee groups.

My Department is aware that trade unions are active in seeking to achieve a critical mass of representation on the employee side and I welcome this move. My Department would also be supportive of any move on the employer side to establish a recognised representative body.

In terms of improving pay and conditions I have suggested to the sector that it might apply to the Labour Court for a Sectoral Employment Order (SEO), asking the Court to make a recommendation in relation to pay for the whole early years sector.

Under an SEO process, organisations substantially representative of employers and employees come together to agree a way forward and submissions are sought from key stakeholders. While my Department would have no direct role in relation to the SEO process, as a significant funder, and with policy responsibility for quality, it would be well placed to make a submission to the Court once it publishes its notice in relation to the application for a SEO for the sector.

In the interim, the last three Budgets have increased investment in Early Years by some 87%. This has helped us to address affordability, access and quality, although I recognise that there is more to be done. This year's announcement of a 7% increase in ECCE capitation is intended to support the workforce. The €18m in 2017 to support 'non-contact time' or the administration burden associated with the scheme, is also intended to support providers and their employees.

I will be very supportive of any reasonable measures aimed at improving pay and conditions of the Early Years sector. While I don't have a direct control over the matter, I will continue, with my Department, to support any appropriate initiatives in this area.

Questions Nos. 467 and 468 answered with Question No. 458.

Early Childhood Care and Education Programmes

Ceisteanna (469)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

469. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the extra year of the early childhood care and education, ECCE, programme for children with special needs will be reinstated; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that until now, children with special needs could apply for an extra year of ECCE to ensure that they were fully prepared to enter primary education (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52977/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is important to be clear that there has been no withdrawal of, or proposal to withdraw, any ECCE entitlement from children with disabilities. All children will be entitled to 76 weeks or 2 academic years of ECCE from September 2018. On Wednesday 6 December I announced that I have paused a decision on the upper age limit exemption for ECCE so that further consultation with parents can occur. This means that for the 2018/2019 ECCE year the overage exemption will continue to be available. Since ECCE was introduced in 2010, approximately 500 children availed of the exemption each year, although for reasons set out below, it is expected that much fewer than this would have applied in 2018. I hope that my decision of last Wednesday will bring the parents who planned to apply for this overage exemption from September 2018 some relief and I encourage them to make sure their views are represented in the consultation that will occur over the coming months, the details of which I will publish shortly.

It is important that I set out the rationale for the original decision. The recent announcement of changes was designed to support the achievement of better outcomes for children with disabilities. No child would have lost out as a result of the overage exemption being removed.

Overage exemptions were introduced at the onset of the ECCE programme in 2010. At that time, the ECCE Programme only operated for a 38 week period, or one programme year. For some children with special/additional needs, attending preschool five days a week was not feasible and so an allowance was made to enable them split ECCE over 2 years, for example, a child may have availed of 3 days ECCE provision in year one and 2 days in year two. Their total ECCE provision remained at 38 weeks.

In order to facilitate this, in the cases where the child would have been over the age limit for ECCE (5 years and 6 months when finishing ECCE) an overage exemption was approved. This flexibility was never intended to conflict with the legislative requirement to start school by age six. The law and policy on school start-age is clearly established in Ireland. Children should be in school by the time they are six and the primary school system has a variety of resources to support children with disabilities. If children are not in school by the age of six, under the Educational Welfare Act, the Educational Welfare service of Tusla must be satisfied that the child is receiving a minimum standard of education in a place other than a recognised school. Tusla does this by sending Educational Welfare Inspectors out to the place of the child's education. Should this be required, this would be in addition to the Early Years Inspectorates funded by my Department.

Since ECCE was first introduced, DCYA has worked, with some success, to improve the pre-school experience for children with disabilities and to optimise their early development. The two main enhancements are:

- ECCE entitlement currently averages at 61 weeks, up from 38 weeks, and it will expand further to 76 weeks from September 2018. This is in keeping with good international practice.

- The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) has been introduced with 7 different levels of support for children with disabilities. Over 4,000 children have so far benefitted from targeted supports and many multiples of this from universal supports available under AIM.

Purely in the best interests of children, and for no other reason, a proposal was considered to remove the overage exemption to the upper age limit to the Programme. This was signalled last year, but in order to give longer notice to parents and providers, the planned introduction was delayed until September 2018. The motivation underpinning this development is entirely evidence based. Children with a disability benefit from early intervention, high quality early childhood care and education and high quality primary school education. In this regard my Department is complementing the work of the HSE's role in early intervention and the Department of Educations and Skills' role in high quality primary school education by:

- expanding the ECCE programme so that all children have access to a full 76 weeks, double what was available in 2010.

- providing access to the comprehensive suite of resources under the Access and Inclusion model (AIM), introduced in September 2016.

The evidence is that children with a disability should start school with their peers once they have access to high quality and inclusive primary school education. The evidence is also that they should become teenagers with their peers and transition to secondary school with their peers.

The original decision to remove the overage exemption was made with the Department of Education and Skills (DES) and in close collaboration with members of the AIM Cross-Sectoral Implementation Group, which includes representatives from the National Council for Special Education, the National Disability Authority, the HSE, a representative of parents of children with special needs and a representative of early years providers. There was broad agreement that, in light of the very significant developments and improvements to free pre-school education, both in terms of the two year duration of ECCE and the range of supports available, and the very significant supports that are in place for children in primary schools, the overage exemption would no longer support the overarching policy aim that children should transition to primary school with their peers. The decision acknowledged the supports provided by the relevant primary school, the National Council for Special Education and other bodies as required.

Notwithstanding the strong evidence base underpinning this proposal as being in the best interests of the children concerned, and the significant enhancements to the ECCE scheme in terms of two years' duration and access to AIM supports; measures which effectively address the reasons for introducing the overage exemptions in the first place, I am also conscious of the need to listen further to those with concerns. To this end, as stated above, I have paused the proposed change and committed to consulting more widely with parents of children with disabilities. I have also committed to having this consultation completed by mid 2018.

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