Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 380: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has received an application for funding for a not-for-profit school age child care facility (details supplied) in Dublin 6; the amount of money he proposes to sanction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37819/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The equal opportunities childcare programme, EOCP, 2000-2006 has an equal opportunities and social inclusion perspective and facilitates the further development and expansion of child care facilities, to address the needs of parents in reconciling their child care needs with their participation in employment, education and training.

With regard to the community based group referred to by the Deputy, an application for capital grant assistance was submitted to my Department. Each application for assistance under the EOCP undergoes a thorough assessment by Pobal, formerly known as Area Development Management Limited, which is engaged by my Department to operate the day to day implementation of the programme. On completion of the assessment process, applications are then considered by the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, before a final decision is made regarding funding.

I understand that a decision in respect of this application is being finalised, following which the group will be advised of the outcome.