Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when an application for grant aid for Montessori preschool by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be determined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27358/06]

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 National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 referred to by the Deputy, I understand the person in question submitted an application for funding recently through Westmeath County Childcare Committee.

I understand from enquiries I have made that this application for funding has been received by Pobal, formerly known as Area Development Management Ltd. who administer the Programme. Each application undergoes a thorough assessment by Pobal 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, before a decision is made regarding funding and the applicant in question will be informed of the outcome in due course.