Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 672: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for capital funding made to his Department for projects in Kildare for each of the past three years; the number which have been successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29237/05]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 673: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of child care places made available from funding from his Department in County Kildare for each of the past three years; the number of applications for funding; the number of applicants in receipt of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29238/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 672 and 673 together.

In the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 there were, respectively, 11, 15 and 12 applications for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, from both community based/not for profit groups and private sector child care projects in County Kildare. In the same years, eight, 11 and six capital grants were approved, respectively. Applications are not necessarily approved in the same year as they are submitted to my Department.

It is anticipated that funding approved for County Kildare in the years in question will lead to the creation of 175, 224 and 189 new child care places, and support a further 145, 124 and 99 existing places, in each of the respective years. With regard to the overall number of applications in each of the years in question, these amount, respectively, to 14, 21 and 14. These applications include capital and staffing grant applications.

The total number of grants approved for community based/not for profit groups and private sector child care projects in County Kildare to date, amounts to 67. Groups may be in receipt of more than one grant under the programme. Cumulatively to date, it is expected that this funding will result in over 1,078 new child care places being created, and a further 665 existing places being supported, through EOCP investment in County Kildare. In addition, the Kildare county child care committee has received a total allocation to date of almost €1 million, which includes €284,500 to deliver its 2005 annual action plan. The committee has also been allocated a total of €120,000 to provide support services for childminders. Child care services in County Kildare also benefit from support given under the EOCP to national voluntary child care organisations to facilitate their work in enhancing quality awareness.