The age range for qualification for the free pre-school year is being lowered.


Children born on or between 2 February 2005 and 30 June 2006, are now eligible to enter the scheme in January next year.


The government has also approved an increase in the capitation for pre-school services with highly qualified staff.


The latest figures show around 4,000 pre-school services have applied to enter the scheme with a capacity to provide 93,000 pre-school places. Late applications are also being accepted over the coming weeks.