David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of new childcare places for school-going children which became available under the equal opportunities childcare programme initiative to develop school-age childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30682/06]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The seven year Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000-2006, which is implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children, has an equal opportunities and social inclusion perspective and facilitates the further development and expansion of childcare facilities to address the needs of parents, in reconciling their childcare needs with their participation in employment, education and training.

With regard to specific provision under the EOCP for school age childcare, to date 191 capital and staffing grants which included after school childcare have been approved, to a total value of some €18.5 million. It is anticipated that, when fully drawn down, these grants will lead to the creation of 2,170 new childcare places and support or enhance 2,286 existing places.