John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 660: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for capital funding in the name of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny under the child care programme; the timeframe for the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29196/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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An application for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, was submitted by this group to my Department some time ago. The capital grant application was forwarded to Area Development Management Limited, which is engaged by my Department to carry out detailed assessments of all EOCP grant applications. Each application undergoes a thorough assessment by ADM to ensure it meets the EOCP funding criteria. In addition, large scale projects such as this capital development undergo an intensive assessment by an external building consultant. While this process necessarily takes some time, every effort is made to conclude assessments as speedily as possible to facilitate the development of additional child care facilities and places at the earliest opportunity.

When the assessment on the project in question is completed, the application will be considered by the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, before a final decision is made regarding funding. The group will then be informed of the outcome, at the earliest opportunity. The group in question has been approved for EOCP staffing grant assistance of over €170,000. Subject to the group complying with the terms of their staffing grant and satisfactory contractual arrangements with ADM Limited, its current level of grant support will be extended to 31 December 2007.