P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the present status of the proposed child care centre playgroup in Castletownbere; when she expects the project to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19675/07]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, 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.

In March 2005 the Group in question was approved €1,284,153 capital grant assistance under the EOCP. The final date for reaching contract stage under the Programme was 31 December 2006. The Group was not in a position to reach contract stage by this date, and applied to have the grant re-assessed under the NCIP.

The Group's application under the NCIP was recently approved. Approval is subject to certain timelines; grants will be expected to have entered into contract within 12 months or face decommittal, and will then be expected to have fully reported expenditure within 2 years of the date of the contract.

I understand that the Group has submitted all the information requested by Pobal, which is engaged to administer the programmes on a day to day basis on behalf of my Office. Pobal is currently reviewing this information with a view to issuing a formal contract to the Group in the near future.