Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 74: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding adjournment debate of 6 April 2006 in relation to community child care groups funding in West Limerick and the need for increased resources to ensure that the community child care groups from Kilcolman, Newcastle West, Broadford and Rathkeale are in a position to provide the necessary service in the constituency. [27299/06]

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 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the newly established Office of the Minister for Children.

The four projects referred to by the Deputy have been approved a total of € 4.5 million in capital grant assistance. These approvals are subject to further development of the proposals and external appraisal by a building specialist. All four groups have been in contact with and are receiving support from Limerick County Childcare Committee. I understand that they are working together to reduce the costs of their projects. I have also met with representatives from the Groups and discussed how they might further progress their projects.

I am advised that two of the projects in question have submitted applications for additional funding and these requests are currently under appraisal. Each application undergoes a thorough assessment by Pobal, formerly known as Area Development Management Ltd., who administers the Programme. Following these assessments, applications are considered by the Programme Appraisal Committee, before a decision is made regarding funding. The Groups will be informed of the outcome of their request for additional funding in due course.