Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 159: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when an application by a committee (details supplied) in County Galway for capital grant funding will be approved; if his attention has been drawn to the need in this immediate area for such a service; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the Kinvara proposal has been designed to cater for 78 children, aged three months to twelve years and incorporates the existing community playgroup which has been operating successfully since 1979; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24757/06]

Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 173: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to an application for a capital grant for a facility (details supplied) in County Galway; when the application will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24391/06]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 173 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010, which are being implemented by the newly established Office of the Minister for Children.

With regard to the application for capital grant assistance under the EOCP referred to by the Deputy, I understand from enquiries I have made that this application for funding is currently in the appraisal process. Each application undergoes a thorough assessment by Pobal, formally known as ADM Ltd., to ensure that it meets the criteria of the Programme. All applications are processed as speedily as possible.

Following this assessment, the application will be considered by the Programme Appraisal Committee and a recommendation made to the Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children, before a decision is made regarding funding.

The Group in question will be informed of the decision in due course.