Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding Adjournment debate of 6 April 2006 in relation to the community child-care group funding in County Limerick and the need for increased resources to ensure the community child-care groups from Kilcornan, Newcastle West, Broadford and Rathkeale are in a position to provide the necessary services in the constituency. [32221/06]

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 Office of the Minister for Children.

I am pleased to inform you that two of the community based Groups in question were approved additional capital grant assistance under the EOCP in recent months. St. Colman's Childcare Service was approved additional capital funding of €100,000 and Broadford Voluntary Housing Association was approved additional grant assistance of €400,000, bringing the total capital approved to €1.2 million and €1.4 million respectively. I understand that the Childcare Directorate of my Office has advised the Groups in question of these decisions. These approvals are subject to the Groups concluding satisfactory contractual arrangements with Pobal.

I understand that the Group referred to in Newcastle West, the Desmond Ability Resource Complex Ltd., has submitted an application for additional capital funding and that this request is currently under appraisal. Each application undergoes a thorough assessment by Pobal, which administers the day to day management of the Programme. Following this assessment, the application will be considered by the Programme Appraisal Committee, before a decision is made regarding funding.

I am advised that Rathkeale Community Childcare Ltd is continuing to work towards the reduction of their building costs. I understand that Pobal are in ongoing discussions with the Group in relation to this matter.