National fund would ensure access for all to ECCE year

A Government TD says a national fund should be in place to ensure no child is unable to fully access the free year of pre-school because of a disability.

Michael Creed was speaking after Children’s Ombudsman Emily Logan criticised the absence of Government policy or funding to ensure all children with special needs can fully avail of the early childhood care and education (ECCE) scheme.

After investigating a complaint about services from the mother of a profoundly deaf girl who had difficulty finding out about her entitlements, her office concluded that physical care and other supports available to allow children attend their full entitlement of ECCE are inconsistent and inequitable around the country.