1516. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the access and inclusion model (AIM) will be extended to include children under three years of age from the commencement of the 2026/2027 programme year, including those who are not participating in the ECCE programme; the plans, funding allocations or timelines in this regard; whether consideration is being given to aligning AIM Level 7 support hours, currently capped at six additional hours per day, with the nine-hour maximum available under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS); whether this disparity will be addressed for the 2026/2027 programme year; when the rules and operational guidance for the 2026/2027 programme year will be published, to allow service providers to plan appropriately for September 2026 enrolments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18774/26]

Summary

1516. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the access and inclusion model (AIM) will be extended to include children under three years of age from the commencement of the 2026/2027 programme year, including those who are not participating in the ECCE programme; the plans, funding allocations or timelines in this regard; whether consideration is being given to aligning AIM Level 7 support hours, currently capped at six additional hours per day, with the nine-hour maximum available under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS); whether this disparity will be addressed for the 2026/2027 programme year; when the rules and operational guidance for the 2026/2027 programme year will be published, to allow service providers to plan appropriately for September 2026 enrolments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18774/26]

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