368. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she has looked at lengthening the ECCE year to provide more to children and parents. [52507/26]

Lengthening the ECCE programme year is not currently under consideration by the Department. However, through Shaping the Future, consideration is being given to extending the hours of ECCE provision from 3 to 4 hours per day in the second year.

Shaping the Future, the recently published Early Years Action Plan Phase 1 Report, notes that the potential to extend the ECCE free pre-school will be included in consultations and analysis under Phase 2 of the Action Plan. Phase 2 actions, which will be undertaken from 2027 through to the end of 2029, will be published in Q4 2026. Before Phase 2 actions can be specified in line with the Programme for Government commitment, a broad public consultation process is currently underway.

Any changes to the ECCE Programme will need to be carefully considered and grounded in robust evidence. This includes assessing the impacts on children’s development, families, ECCE providers and educators, as well as ensuring consistency, equity and sustainability across the programme.