John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 677: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for funding in the name of a group (details supplied) in County Carlow under the equal opportunities childcare programme 2000-06; and if a decision will be expedited. [10210/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I understand that an application for capital grant assistance under the equal opportunities child care programme, EOCP, 2000-06, was submitted by the group in question to my Department some time ago. The EOCP is a seven-year development programme which aims to increase the availability and quality of child care to support parents in employment, education and training.

As the Deputy may be aware, each application for funding undergoes a thorough assessment by area development management ltd, ADM, which has been engaged by my Department to carry out the day to day administration of the EOCP. All assessed applications are then considered by the programme appraisal committee, PAC, which is chaired by my Department, before I make a final decision on the matter.

I understand from the programme appraisal committee consideration of the application that as the project is in close proximity to another child care facility which had already received funding under the EOCP, that the proposal raised issues around possible duplication of services.

I have been informed by the child care directorate of my Department that an appeal has been lodged by the group in question and that this appeal is currently under consideration by ADM. Following receipt of an appeal, ADM reassesses the application in the light of any additional information which might be supplied in support of the application. Following this reassessment, a recommendation will be submitted to the PAC again for consideration. The PAC will also take into account any of the additional information supplied, which may be relevant before making a recommendation to me regarding funding. In the interim, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further on this matter.