Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason an application by a company (details supplied) in County Roscommon was refused; if she will review the decision and support the appeal which has been submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26478/06]

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 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 that the project was not recommended for funding under the Capital Measure of the EOCP as it was not deemed to adequately meet the criteria of the Programme as there is limited evidence of local need to substantiate a development of the scale proposed. A significant level of EOCP funding has been approved in the area to date and the service is in close proximity to other EOCP funded projects.

I understand from inquires I have made that the Group has recently submitted a request to review this decision for capital funding. I understand that this review is currently under appraisal.

Following this assessment, the appeal 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.