Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 368: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of funding applied for and allocated to groups or organisations in County Kildare under the equal opportunities child care programme 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17859/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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While funding applications received to date from County Kildare for assistance under the EOCP amount to €11 million approximately, many projects are withdrawn by the project proposers prior to the selection process. Grants totalling almost €6.6 million have been approved including more than €3.1 million in capital grant assistance to nine community-based not-for-profit groups; almost €1 million in staffing grant assistance to five community-based not-for-profit projects; almost €1.4 million in capital grant assistance to 47 private sector child care projects; more than €900,000 to Kildare county childcare committee to enable it to carry out its day-to-day activities and to implement its annual action plans; and almost €200,000 for the support of childminders. It is anticipated that this funding will lead to the creation of more than 1,000 new child care places and will enhance a further 660 existing places. In addition, child care services in County Kildare can benefit from support given to the national voluntary child care organisations to enhance quality awareness.

In 2004, my Department published a comprehensive review of progress under the equal opportunities childcare programme, EOCP, 2000-2006, entitled Developing Childcare In Ireland, which was circulated to all Members of the Oireachtas and was also posted on the Department's website. Much of the detailed information sought by the Deputy to the end of 2003 is included in this report and this will be updated shortly.