Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1164. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will respond to an issue raised by a person (details supplied) regarding the early childhood care and education scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28890/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen first introduced, the ECCE Programme was delivered over 38 weeks in a given ECCE programme year and children were required to be between the ages of 3 years and 2 months and 4 years and 7 months in September in the year they enrolled.
The entry age has since been decreased on two occasions, the first in 2016, when it was reduced from 3 years and 2 months to 3 years of age and the number of hours a child could avail of was expanded. The second reduction was in 2018 whereby the number of points at which a child could become eligible for the programme was reduced down to one (September) and the age of eligibility was further reduced.
A child must now have turned 2 years and 8 months on or before the 31st August of a given programme year in order to be eligible (and cannot turn 5 years and 6 months during the programme year). This has allowed children to avail of a full two years of the ECCE programme. This change was based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also had regard to the regulatory requirements for early learning and and care.
There is no situation in which a child is only entitled to one year of the ECCE programme and the current arrangements ensure that all children have the same entitlement, unlike the 3 entry point system. It should also be noted that whilst there is one point at which the child becomes eligible, eligible children can enter the ECCE programme at any time during the 2 year cycle.
I would also highlight the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help with early learning and childcare costs. There are two types of subsidy for children over 6 months of age:
- A universal subsidy for children under 3. Children over 3 who have not yet qualified for the ECCE programme are also eligible. It is not means tested. From September 2022, this subsidy will be extended to children of all ages up to 15.
- An income-assessed subsidy for children up to 15. It is means tested.
The NCS is currently supporting thousands of families to offset their costs. A recent review of the NCS showed that:
- 38% families had more than half of their early learning and childcare costs were covered by the NCS;
- 56% families had more money to spend due to the scheme; and
- 28% families were working more because of NCS, with 8% reporting that they would not be in work without it.
I would note that my Department will shortly commence a 12 month review of the ECCE programme which will consider whether the programme is meeting its objectives and subject to the findings consider whether any changes need to be made. As part of this review, there will be wide stakeholder engagement.
