Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 459: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a decision will be made on an application for a capital grant under EOCP 2000-2006 to a group (details supplied) in County Cork. [2772/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 has been 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.

With regard to the application for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, I understand that the community based group in question was not recommended for capital funding as the proposal is not deemed to adequately meet the criteria of the programme. The current service is operating below capacity and there was limited evidence of a need for the proposed service and its future sustainability based on projected income and costs. I understand from inquiries I have made that, to date, the group has not submitted an appeal of this decision.