Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
790. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if consideration is being given to putting the entitlement to an ECCE place on a statutory footing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45393/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education Programme (ECCE) is a free, universal two-year preschool programme available to all children within the eligible age range funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE). First 5 - A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028, commits to considering “changes to the preschool programme and commence the introduction to a legal entitlement to pre-school.” In 2024, an independent review of the ECCE programme was completed by Stranmills University, and a Report was published in April 2024. This report highlighted the international trend towards creating legal entitlements for preschool education. In line with the findings of this report, creating a statutory entitlement for ECCE is currently one policy option under consideration.
Current policy is focused on improved access to ECCE for children with disabilities through the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) and access to children experience disadvantage through the Equal Start funding model.
Shaping the Future: Early Years Action Plan (Phase 1 Report) sets out plans to achieve key Programme for Government commitments on the affordability, quality, and accessibility of early learning and childcare (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC). This overarching policy will consider how to maintain and strengthen the ECCE Programme as a free and universal preschool programme within the broader context of improving access and affordability of high quality ELC in Ireland.
