Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason an application for a grant lodged in April 2003 in respect of a child care crèche (details supplied) in County Galway was refused; the reason a grant was not approved in view of the fact that the potential number of children that need such a facility in the area could not be facilitated by one crèche; if an appeal of the original decision will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37034/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the private provider in question was not recommended for funding under the capital measure of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-06, EOCP. In this case it was considered that, as the project is located in close proximity to a child care project that has already received EOCP funding, there was a consequential potential for duplication and displacement between the two child care services.

Where funding is not recommended, it is open to an applicant to submit an appeal to my Department. Appeals are assessed, in the first instance, by Pobal, formerly known as Area Development Management Limited, which is engaged by my Department to administer the day to day operation of the programme. When the assessment of an appeal has been completed, it is forwarded to the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, before a final decision is made. I understand from inquiries I have made that, to date, no appeal of the decision made has been received from the private provider in question.