Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the case of a group (details supplied) in County Tipperary who have applied for assistance in setting up a community playgroup. [16058/06]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 200-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010, which are being implemented by the newly established Office of Minister for Children.

With regard to the application for staffing grant assistance under the EOCP referred to by the Deputy, I understand that the community based group in question was approved €36,000 staffing grant assistance, over three years. An application for continuation staffing funding was recently assessed and declined on the basis that the childcare service has not committed to opening sessions of 3.5 hours per day, has demonstrated limited impact on parents accessing education training or employment and has not fully addressed the conditions of the previous staffing grant. However, an additional €3,000 over three months was approved, to enable the Group to introduce a fee structure which will ensure sustainability.

I understand that the Group has requested a review of the decision on future funding. Pobal (formerly known as Area Development Management Ltd.), who administer the Childcare Programmes, is currently in dialogue with the Group and is awaiting further information from them to substantiate the review request. The Group have been requested to submit a revised impact summary form and evidence regarding its focus on disadvantage.

Following this review a decision will be made and the Group will be informed of the outcome in due course.