Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

When the assessments on the outstanding projects in Kerry are completed, the applications will be considered by the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, before I make a decision on each case.

In addition, the Deputy may be aware that I have recently approved the continuation to the end of December 2007 of staffing grant assistance for all groups whose first three year funding has elapsed unless the level of service being offered has declined significantly below that which they had originally undertaken to deliver. The extension of the duration of funding follows a review of the services in question and is conditional on the services continuing to meet the objectives of the equal opportunities child care programme and the conditions set down within their contracts with ADM.

It is fair to emphasise that the equal opportunities child care programme has been central to the development of child care in Ireland. I hope that Deputy Moynihan-Cronin will acknowledge the progress made to date in Kerry and will be reassured that all possible steps are being taken to further develop the child care service throughout the county to meet local need.

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