John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister indicated that next year's capital programme will be announced earlier in the year than was the case in 2017. The capital programme for this year was announced in July, at which point, the Minister indicated, there was an immediate draw-down of funds. This allocation covered hundreds of projects with the objective of creating 2,200 new child care places. Given that the funding was not announced until July, will the Minister indicate, as we approach year's end, whether all the funds have been drawn down and all the additional places created? How much earlier in the year can the 2018 programme be delivered?

Will the Minister indicate the global figure for capital projects in 2018? The allocation for 2017 was €8.4 million, which is virtually double the sum for the previous year. It is important to ensure projects are identified and funding earmarked earlier in the year so that the full allocation can be drawn down in that year.

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