Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a staffing grant was refused to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2258/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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In January 2003, a staffing grant of €12,000 for one year, and a capital grant of €20,426 was allocated under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000-2006 to the group referred to by the Deputy.

As the Deputy will appreciate, funding under the staffing measure of the programme is awarded to community based organisations providing child care which supports disadvantaged parents, particularly women, while accessing employment, educational or training opportunities. I understand that the group was advised of the requirement to prepare and submit a development plan which demonstrates their focus on disadvantage, if future funding of the service beyond one year was to be considered.

As the Deputy may be aware, each application for funding under the EOCP undergoes an assessment by Area Development Management Ltd., which has been engaged by my Department to carry out the day to day administration of the programme. When the assessment is completed each application is then considered by the programme appraisal committee, PAC, of the EOCP, chaired by my Department, before I make a final decision.

In April 2004, following a submission by the group for staffing grant assistance for a further two years, I concurred with a recommendation of the PAC not to approve additional staffing funding in this instance, as the group had not satisfactorily demonstrated their focus on disadvantage and therefore has limited impact on the objectives of the programme in respect of which current funding is allocated for staffing purposes.

However, should the group wish to offer additional material to substantiate that submitted in their original application, it is open to the group to submit an appeal to my Department which will be appraised by ADM Ltd. and considered by the programme appraisal committee.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria required for a school to be entitled to a staffing grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2259/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000-2006 is a seven-year development programme which aims to increase the availability of child care, support parents and in particular disadvantaged parents, thereby, enabling them to avail of employment, education and training opportunities.

Applications for staffing grant assistance must be directly related to the provision and development of child care facilities and include the employment of workers dealing directly with children. Funding will only be available towards staff related costs from the date of approval and recruitment procedures must be open and transparent.

As the Deputy may be aware, each application for funding under the EOCP undergoes an assessment by Area Development Management Ltd., which has been engaged by my Department to carry out the day to day administration of the programme. When the assessment is completed each application is then considered by the programme appraisal committee of the EOCP, chaired by my Department, before I make a final decision.

All applications for staffing grant assistance including applications from schools, undergo a thorough assessment and appraisal based on the material supplied by the applicants. Factors taken into consideration include the socio economic profile of the local area; the quality of the proposal; the capacity to implement the project; the process of consultation and the level of integration and co-ordination; costings and value for money; the age ranges catered for; and the hours of opening. Priority is given to services which offer a full day, year-round service and which have a focus on disadvantage.

I would like to advise the Deputy that general guidelines for funding under the EOCP and application forms for staffing grant assistance may be obtained from the child care directorate of my Department.