Written answers

Tuesday, 24 April 2007

Department of Health and Children

Child Care Services

11:00 pm

Photo of Willie PenroseWillie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 431: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if, in relation to the national child care investment programme 2006 to 2010 applications for a community based capital grant have been deferred; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this will slow down such applications, which need to be progressed; the steps she will take to ensure that these are now addressed without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14717/07]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian 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 NCIP is a key element of the National Childcare Strategy 2006-2010 and came into effect from 1 January 2006. The decision of the Government to create a major new 5 year investment programme immediately, rather than wait until the EOCP expired, is evidence of the Government's commitment to the provision of quality childcare. Capital grant applications under the NCIP are assessed under a number of criteria; chiefly the nature and extent of the need locally for the service proposed, the applicant's capacity to deliver the project proposed and value for money. All proposals are expected to demonstrate how they will increase the supply of quality childcare, and furthermore, community projects are expected to have a focus on disadvantage.

Following a review of the operation of the Programme to date, and in the context of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP, revised Guidelines for the assessment of capital grant applications were issued recently to the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) who carry out the initial stage of grant assessment. To enable the Guidelines to be properly considered and applied, it is necessary in the case of the large-scale community sector grant applications, to defer finalisation of the initial assessment process for a short period. However, this is not expected to cause any undue delay to these grant applicants, most of whom are seeking funding for longer-term projects, and priority will be given to any who would be in a position to open later this year.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Guidelines include a number of enhancements to the capital grant scheme, including:

an increase in the maximum grant aid per place for community projects, from a benchmark of €20,000 to €24,000;

an increase in the maximum grant for community projects, from €1 million to €1.2 million; and

a new scheme to support services, such as sessional playgroups, which are not continuously open for the minimum periods currently required under the main scheme of grants.

In addition, the Guidelines will further assist the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) in their role in the initial assessment of applications. Both Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the programme on behalf of my Office, and the CCCs will continue to work with and advise applicants throughout the process.

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