Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
449. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will examine the practice of an organisation (details supplied) recouping monies under a circumstance from ECCE providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51118/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal free two-year pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range.
As per the rules governing the ECCE programme, where attendance in the childcare setting differs from registration in a consistent pattern over a four-week period, the relevant registrations must be updated to reflect the actual pattern of attendance. The service provider will not have monies recouped for the first four-week period, but if the registration is not revised after the four-week period, then the service may have monies recouped for the days when the child is regularly not attending.
In certain special circumstances, such as a prolonged illness, a childcare service may apply to Pobal, who are the childcare funding schemes administrators, to retain the registration beyond four weeks up to a maximum of 12 weeks. In such cases, Pobal may seek supporting proof of the special circumstances, which may include medical certification.
