Applications from childcare providers who wish to participate in the the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme are submitted, in the first instance, to the relevant City/County Childcare Committee. The deadline for the receipt of such applications this year was 31st March. I understand that the childcare service referred to by the Deputy submitted an application after this date and was therefore too late to be considered for the school year commencing in September 2012. The childcare service should contact Laois County Childcare Committee early next year if they wish to be considered for inclusion in the ECCE programme from September 2013.