Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
430. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 1596 of 9 June 2026, if flexibility in terms of the eligibility for the ECCE scheme will be shown in the case of the person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46456/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ECCE programme is a pre-school programme based on the National Practice Frameworks - Aistear and Síolta. The current ECCE eligibility criteria were set based on a number of considerations, including national experience and a review of international practice. The lower age range is based on Tusla regulations for minimum adult-to-child ratios for children in early learning and childcare settings. These regulations take account of the needs and developmental stages of children such as toilet training and sleeping arrangements.
The Department recognises that the use of age limits in programmes such as ECCE can create a situation whereby some children narrowly fall outside the eligibility range for a given programme year. However, the Department must implement an age cut-off in the interests of fairness and consistency for all. The current ECCE age eligibility limits will remain for the 2026/27 Programme Year. There is currently no discretion in this regard.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment to evaluate options to amend the ECCE eligibility criteria, Shaping the Future, the recently published Early Years Action Plan (Phase 1 Report), commits to exploring amendments to the ECCE age eligibility criteria through consultation and analysis under Phase 2 of the Action Plan. This work will inform decisions on any future changes, which will be subject to Government approval and the completion of the necessary policy, operational, and budgetary considerations.
Any changes to the ECCE Programme must be carefully considered and grounded in robust evidence. This includes assessing the impacts on children’s development, families, ECCE providers and educators, as well as ensuring consistency, equity and sustainability across the programme.
