Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
623. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will review a case (details supplied) regarding an age exemption for a child attending ECCE due to additional educational needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31912/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal two-year pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range.
A child must have reached 2 years and 8 months of age on or prior to 31 August of the relevant programme year to be eligible for the September start date and a child cannot turn 5 years and 6 months of age during the course of the ECCE programme year.
Overage exemptions are available in certain exceptional circumstances for children who will be over 5 years and 6 months by the end of the ECCE term.
With regard to the child referred to by the Deputy, the application to permit him to remain in ECCE for the 2022-23 programme year has been accepted following the submission of a recommendation from a Senior Medical Officer in the HSE.
