I propose to take Questions Nos. 520 and 521 together.
The upper age limit for the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme was set in consultation with senior officials from the Early Years Education Policy Unit in the Department of Education and Skills. It ensures that children transition into primary school with their peers and limits the age range of children beginning primary school. Limiting the diversity in age ranges in children beginning primary school education is considered generally to be in the best interest of children, in relation to peer interaction in junior infants, as well as other educational considerations.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs does its best to ensure, in so far as possible, the equitable treatment of all children and families who apply for childcare funding under the ECCE Programme. In order to ensure objectivity and fairness it is essential that clear rules exist for the scheme and that they are applied in a fair manner. An essential component of the ECCE scheme’s rules is an eligibility date to ensure that the scheme can be administered and budgeted for in an appropriate manner.