Children’s Minister James Reilly extends free pre-school scheme

Children’s Minister James Reilly says enough places will be available in extending to a two-year period the free pre-school scheme amid warnings creches and service providers lack resources.

The Fine Gael minister told the Dáil there would be difficulties doubling the year-long scheme to two years for pre-school children. However, he said the existing scheme would continue for next year and 2017.

He said an estimated 89,500 children will be eligible to enrol in the programme from September 2016, with an extra 22,000 from January 2017 and a further 15,500 from April 2017.

“I am aware that, every year, a significant number of new pre-school providers apply to participate in this programme. This increased demand for, and additional investment in, free pre-school provision should encourage a greater numbers of applicants.

“I am clear that more capacity will be required; we are all agreed on that. Officials in my department have identified a number of challenges that pre-school providers who wish to expand may face, including issues of sustainability.

“They are working closely with the city and county child care committees and the voluntary child care organisations to identify measures to address such challenges.”

His comments came as a survey from Early Childhood Ireland warned 62% of firms warned they would not be expanding services.

They said that the main issues were that the capitation for the scheme is too low and not having enough space or funding to expand.