225 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in issuing a response to representations (details supplied). [3339/11]

I understand that the representations referred to by the Deputy were made by him on behalf of a person in relation to the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which is implemented by my Office.

As you know, the representations in question relate to correspondence between the person in question and my Office both of which were issued on 7 January 2011. I understand from you that the person in question forwarded a copy of this correspondence to you on that same date which you forwarded to me with a request to examine the matter further. On foot of your representations, this issue was again examined and a further response was issued to the person concerned and subsequently copied to you on 20 January 2011.