Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 265: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community run creches which are supported by his Department in the Kildare North constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40009/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, EOCP, 2000-06 is being assigned to the Department of Health and Children as part of the establishment of the new office of the Minister for Children under the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan.

I regret that the information sought is not available on a constituency basis. However, I understand that grants totalling almost €7.5 million have been approved to date in County Kildare under the EOCP 2000-06. These include almost €3.3 million in capital grant assistance to eight community based not-for-profit groups and over €1.5 million in staffing grant assistance to six community based not-for-profit projects.

It is anticipated that funding committed under the EOCP in County Kildare to date will lead to the creation of almost 1,200 new child care places and will enhance almost 750 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 EOCP 2000-06 entitled Developing Childcare In Ireland. An update of this report, giving details of grant approvals to end 2004, was circulated to all Members of the Oireachtas this week and was also posted on the Department's website.