Budget 2016: Expansion of Free Pre-School
Currently, children are entitled to participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme
for up to 38 weeks – i.e. for the pre-school year. Children aged between 3 years 2 months and 4 years 7
months on 1st September of the relevant year are eligible to join the programme. Children register for the
programme in September. Budget 2016 announced significant changes to free pre-school provision in
Ireland; these changes are explained in more detail below.
For further information, click on the following link Budget 2016 ECCE FAQs