Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2322. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the consultation process of the ECCE (details supplied); if recommendations arising from it will be implemented; the nature of changes she has made to the overage exemptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33037/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware last December, I announced my decision to pause the proposed rule changes on overage exemptions to allow for a consultation process where the voice of parents of children with disabilities could be heard in relation to the proposed change.
This consultation process, which was commissioned jointly by my Department and the Department of Education and Skills and undertaken by the National Disability Authority, involved a number of steps referred to by the Deputy which are now complete.
I am very grateful to the National Disability Authority (NDA) for its assistance in managing this process on behalf of both Departments. The NDA are finalising a report of the evidence, the findings of the survey, and the findings of the Open Policy Debate, for consideration by both Departments.
The original timeframe was extended briefly given the complexity of the matter. Minister Bruton and I are now awaiting the formal submission of the final report and once received, the contents of the report will be considered and will inform future policy in this area. I am anxious that this process be undertaken and communicated as soon as possible following receipt of the final report.
