Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:287. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage increase and or decrease in ECCE registrations compared to 2019. [41047/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2020
287. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage increase and or decrease in ECCE registrations compared to 2019. [41047/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education Programme (ECCE) programme is a universal free two-year pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range of 2 years 8 months to 5 years 6 months.
The number of children registered on ECCE as of 2 December 2020 was 100, 800. This is a 2% reduction on the same period in 2019. This reduction in demand for ECCE places was expected due to demographic changes; Covid does not appear to have had an impact on demand for ECCE services.