Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 675: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application by a group (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10735/06]

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

As the Deputy may be aware, the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 is being implemented by the newly established Office of the Minister for Children, OMC, under the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan. The programme builds on the success of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, EOCP, which will conclude in 2007. The new programme aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality child care supports and services which are grounded in an understanding of local child care needs.

With regard to the applications from the community-based group referred to by the Deputy, I understand that the group in question was approved for both capital and staffing grant assistance under the EOCP. I also understand from inquiries I have made that Pobal, which administers the day-to-day operations of the programme, is in dialogue with the group and is awaiting outstanding information from it in order to allow the grants to be drawn down.