merrion street

The  Minister  for  Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone, T.D. and  the  Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Richard Bruton, T.D. today announced  details  of  the  consultation  process  in relation to proposed changes  to  the  rule  on  exemptions  to the upper age limit to the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme.

Last  December,  Minister  Zappone  announced  her  decision  to  pause the proposed  rule  changes  on  overage exemptions to allow for a consultation process  where  all  voices,  including  those  of parents of children with disabilities, could be heard in relation to the proposed change.

This consultation process, which will be carried out by National Disability Authority  on  behalf of the Ministers and both Departments, will involve a review of evidence and significant stakeholder engagement.

The  consultation  will culminate in an open policy debate on this issue in conjunction  with  both  Departments,  where  a  series  of options will be considered. A final report is expected by end June.

Speaking about the consultation process Minister Zappone said:

“This  consultation  process, which will commence shortly, will allow those who have views on this issue to have their say.

I very much welcome the involvement of the National Disability Authority in this work and look forward to receiving the final report in June.

I am determined to find a way forward that best meets the needs of children and am confident this process will provide the guidance needed.”

Addressing  the  decision  to  pause  the  proposed  rule change on overage exemption  Minister Bruton said:

“I welcome the decision to pause this rule change pending completion of the consultation process. It is important that the  views  of  parents  are heard and taken into account as we continue to develop these important services for children and Minister Zappone has done that with this very positive response”.