Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
795. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the eligibility criteria for a child to participate in the free early childhood care and education scheme; and the hourly or weekly rate payable to providers that deliver service under the scheme. [51900/25]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal free two-year programme available to all children within the eligible age range. A child must have turned 2 years and 8 months on or before 31st August in the programme year and not turn 5 years and 6 months on or before June 30th the following year, to be eligible for the ECCE programme.
The ECCE Programme is provided for 3 hours per day, 5 days per week over 38 weeks per programme year. The weekly ECCE capitation paid to the service provider is €69.00 per child per week with a pro rata reduction where ECCE registration is less than 5 days.
Full details of ECCE and other childcare schemes funded by my Department can be found at: earlyyearshive.ncs.gov.ie/downloads/
