Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
975. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the options for the parent of a child who has been unable to secure an ECCE placement (details supplied). [2836/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides free universal pre-school to children in the eligible age range. The programme is provided for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks per year. The programme year runs from the end of August to the following June in line with the primary school year.
ECCE is provided by private enterprises, either privately owned or operated by community organisations. Services are contracted with my Department to provide ECCE at no cost to the parent and subject to the programme's rules.
My Department funds a national network of City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs) who provide support and advice to parents, including support on availability of ECCE childcare places, as well as assistance for parents on all aspects of childcare.
I would urge any parent experiencing difficulty in securing an ECCE place for their child to contact their local CCC who will assist them in this regard. Contact details for all of the CCCs as well as further information on ECCE are available at www.gov.ie/childcarecommittees.
