2933. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children receiving Aim supports, by year from 2020 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61696/26]

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 pre-school 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 the ECCE programme.

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.

Since September 2024, AIM has 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 in term and 6 hours 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 engaging in a comprehensive policy development process during 2026 to extend AIM to children aged under three, which will be underpinned by consultations with key stakeholders.

Consideration will be given at a future date to options and mechanisms for extending AIM to children in school-age childcare.