Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Brennan for sharing his time with me, and again I welcome the Minister of State to the House, in his new capacity. Senator Brennan and I attended a meeting, along with other public representatives, as regards these four projects in County Limerick. The principle espoused by everybody nowadays is voluntarism. Many of those involved in the four projects are there in a voluntary capacity. In that context, disappointment was expressed at the fact that the funding for the projects possibly relates to 2000-03. In that context, as regards inflation, etc., the criterion being used by the Department equated to approximately €20,000 per pupil as a rough guideline. However, there is no evidence that this has been achieved anywhere. It might be achievable where a brownfield site exists and there is planning permission. Most of these projects, however, are located in greenfield sites. Three of the projects in particular have difficulty in commencing. One of them is based in Newcastle West, where I live, and that is part of an overall social complex that already has planning permission and is progressing.

If we are not to lose those projects and dissipate the efforts put into them up to now, they must have rejigged funding compatible with their financial requirements, or they will have difficulty in proceeding. These are four west Limerick projects that are very important and will create up to 300 child care places in rural locations such as Broadford, Kilcolman and urban centres such as Rathkeale and Newcastle West. I ask the Minister of State to look sympathetically at these projects.