Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a funding application for a group (details supplied) was brought to his attention; the reason the group was refused funding under the equal opportunities child care programme; the criteria used to assess value for money when allocating EOCP grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13926/05]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 385: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will meet a group (details supplied) at his earliest convenience to reconsider an application for child care support. [13927/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 385 together.

I understand that an application for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Child Care Programme, EOCP, 2000-2006 was submitted by the group in question to my Department some time ago.

As the Deputy may be aware, each application for funding undergoes a thorough assessment by Area Development Management Limited, ADM, which has been engaged to carry out the day-to-day administration of the programme on my behalf. Following this assessment all applications are then considered by the programme appraisal committee, PAC, which is chaired by my Department, before I make a final decision regarding funding.

This project proposal was one of a number submitted to develop child care services in Templemore. I understand that in this case the PAC was unable to recommend the project to me for funding as it did not adequately meet the criteria of the EOCP with regard to the levels of service provision being proposed. Specifically, it was considered that the planned project did not represent good value for money as it proposed a limited range of service types and operating hours, and did not propose to offer a full day care service. The service will provide two sessional services running from 8.30 a.m. to 12 noon and from 12.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m., thus providing part time child care places only. The project which was selected for capital support under the EOCP last December offered a broader range of services for a larger number of children.

I have been informed by the child care directorate of my Department that the group referred to here has recently appealed my decision not to grant funding. ADM Limited will re-assesses the application in the light of this appeal and will take full account of any additional information which the group may wish to offer in support of its application and of local need. Following this re-assessment the outcome will be considered by the PAC, which will also take into account any of the additional information supplied that may be relevant, before making a recommendation to me regarding funding. The group concerned will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible. In the interim, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on this application or to meet with the group.