Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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942. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if consideration will be given to granting a second overage exemption for the ECCE programme (details supplied), whose developmental age differs significantly from her chronological age due to medical and developmental delays; and if he will review the criteria and available supports to ensure that all children, regardless of developmental pathway, are given equal access to early childhood education and the necessary support mechanisms to facilitate their attendance. [44595/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, funded by my Department, provides universal, free pre-school to children within the eligible age range of 2 years and 8 months to 5 years and 6 months. The upper age limit of 5 years and 6 months for ECCE was set in consultation with the Department of Education and ensures that children transition into primary school with their peers.

In a limited number of circumstances, it is possible to apply for an exemption to the upper age limit of 5 years 6 months where a child has special/additional needs. An exemption has already been granted for the child named and there is no provision for granting a second overage exemption.

I am acutely aware that the transition to primary school can be an anxious time for parents however the ECCE programme should not delay a child’s entry to primary school.

The National Disability Authority (NDA) in 2018, carried out a review of the over-age exemption process for this Department and the Department of Education.

In their published report, the NDA concluded that it is in the best interest of children with additional needs to transition to primary school with their age cohort.

Supports are available for school aged children through the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), affiliated to the Department of Education, to support children in the primary school setting. I would urge the child’s parents to contact her local Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) for further assistance at NCSE.ie.