Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 371: To ask the Minister for Health and Children further to her reply to a previous parliamentary question of 14 February 2007, the steps this child care group (details supplied) should take to secure grant aid in the context where a new group has been established and where there is an urgent need for the said child care facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9495/07]

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. The EOCP is now closed for new applications, and all applications for capital funding should be made under the NCIP.

A new programme of staffing grants under the NCIP is expected to be announced in 2007 and will be informed by the outcome of a Value for Money Review of the EOCP which is currently in progress. The Review is expected to be completed in the first half of 2007 following which the procedures and criteria governing the new grant scheme will be made available both generally and to existing staffing grant recipients.

With regard to the Group in question I understand, as stated previously, that they were approved €19,046 under the EOCP in December 2001 towards staffing costs for one year. However, they were not recommended staffing grant assistance towards their second and third year as the service had not met the original conditions of funding, the targets set or reporting requirements. Furthermore it was not demonstrated that the service was facilitating parents to access employment, education or training. The original decision was upheld by the Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children following a review of application earlier this year. I understand that the Childcare Directorate of my Office informed the Group of this decision in February 2007.

If a Group wishes to apply for capital and/or staffing funding under the NCIP, they should contact their local County Childcare Committee for support and advice in developing a suitable application.

Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 372: To ask the Minister for Health and Children, further to her answer to a previous parliamentary question of February 2007, if the said capital grant has now been approved for persons (details supplied) in County Meath who wish to expand child care facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9496/07]

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.

The Group in question has recently been approved €100,000 in capital grant assistance under the NCIP. I understand the Childcare Directorate of my Office has informed the Group of this decision.