Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an appeal not to allow a grant application for a crèche to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8439/06]

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 responsible for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan.

With regard to the application by the private provider in question for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, the private provider was not recommended for funding under the EOCP as the project is located in close proximity to a child care project that has received EOCP capital funding, and there was a consequential potential for duplication and displacement between the two child care services. I am advised that the private provider in question has recently submitted an appeal regarding the decision. This appeal will undergo a thorough assessment by Pobal before being submitted to the programme appraisal committee and a subsequent decision being made, of which the applicant will be advised of the outcome.