John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that funding is allocated under the national childcare investment programme 2006 to 2010 private sector capital funding for a facility (details supplied) in County Sligo in view of the fact that they provide a much needed high quality childcare service to families in this rapidly growing area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37692/06]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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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 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 in the question, I understand the persons in question have submitted an application for funding through Sligo County Childcare Committee.

I understand from enquiries I have made that this application for funding will be forwarded to Pobal, formerly known as Area Development Management Ltd., which administers the Programme on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children. Each application undergoes a thorough assessment to ensure that it meets the criteria of the Programme.

Following this assessment, the application will be considered by the Programme Appraisal Committee, before a decision is made regarding funding by the Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children.

The applicants will be informed of the outcome in due course.