State: We cannot afford second free pre-school year

Children’s Minister Dr James Reilly has said he believes a second free pre-school year would benefit children’s educational and developmental outcomes — but claims the State cannot afford the extra €175m it would require.

However, Dr Reilly says a second year is being considered as one of the options for the future.

The minister was asked by Independent TD Shane Ross, through a parliamentary question, what the current early childhood care and education (ECCE) scheme was costing.

Mr Ross also asked about the projected cost of a second pre-school year and whether the minister would consider investing in primary schools with a view to delivering the scheme there.

Dr Reilly said there was increasing evidence quantifying the benefits of early years interventions.

“The introduction of a second pre-school year however, would require considerable additional funding, broadly in line with the cost of the current one-year provision, which is €175m per annum. This additional funding is not presently available due to the financial constraints under which the Government is operating.”

However, the minister is awaiting a report from the inter-departmental group on future investment in early years and after-school care and education — which he established in February — on the way forward for childcare provision. The findings are due to be published at the end of this month.

Last month, in an address to the joint Oireachtas committee on health and children, Early Childhood Ireland said the current free pre-school year scheme was not fit for purpose for a number of reasons, including that the capitation did not cover facilities’ costs and did not allow a sufficient margin for additional bills or costs. It also said many facilities were trading recklessly.

Teresa Heeney, Early Childhood Ireland chief executive, said the current ECCE contract must be renegotiated and made fit for purpose before a second year could be contemplated.