2973. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current status of work to extend the Access and Inclusion Model to children below the current ECCE eligibility age; the progress made in developing a tailored model for children aged under three years ; the anticipated timeline for completion of this work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58183/26]

The Access and Inclusion Model or AIM is a programme of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities or additional needs can access the Early Childhood Care and Education or ECCE programme. The goal of AIM is to empower early learning and care providers to deliver an inclusive preschool experience, ensuring that every eligible child can meaningfully participate in the ECCE programme and reap the benefits of quality early learning and care in any mainstream service participating in ECCE.

A core feature and strength of AIM is that it does not require a diagnosis. Instead, resources are allocated based on a child’s individual needs.

In line with a commitment in First 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028, an independent evaluation of AIM was undertaken in order to inform an extension of AIM beyond the ECCE programme as well as any potential enhancements to the model.

The findings from the evaluation were published in January 2024 and have informed the phased extension of AIM. Since September 2024, AIM has been expanded beyond time spent in the ECCE programme for ECCE-aged children. This allows children to access early learning and childcare for up to an additional 3 hours per day in term and 6 hours per day out of term.

It is intended that, over time, all children with additional needs registered in early learning and care services will have access to supports under AIM.

Officials in the Department are presently engaging in a comprehensive policy development process during 2026 to extend AIM to children aged under three in future years, underpinned by consultations with key stakeholders.

This is a complex task and it is critical that the necessary time is taken to enable an evidence- based policy response which is carefully tailored to the needs of this specific age cohort. Funding will also be required through the annual budget process.