Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a group (details supplied) who appealed a decision disallowing their staffing grant and applied for a capital grant under the national childcare investment programme as the refusal of this grant places serious pressure on the playgroup finances; if, in view of the circumstances this appeal can be granted, the staffing grant allowed, and the capital grant allocated to allow the group carry out their expansions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40412/06]

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 Office of the Minister for Children.

With regard to the application for staffing grant assistance under the EOCP and the capital application under the NCIP referred to in the question, I understand that both applications are under assessment. All applications undergo a thorough assessment to ensure they meet the criteria of the Programmes.

When the assessments are complete, the applications 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 Group will be informed of the outcome in due course.