Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 567: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a grant has not been awarded to a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that for many months this non-profit making group has been using its own resources and overdraft facilities which are now exhausted; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that if this school has to close down it will cause immense problems to the underprivileged in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6919/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-10 has been assignedto 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.

Staffing grant assistance of €39,000 over three years has been awarded to the community based child care facility in question under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006. I understand from inquiries I have made that the group has submitted applications to extend this funding and for additional staffing funding. These applications are in the final stages of the appraisal process. The group will be informed of the outcome in due course.