Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of staffing grant aid for a childcare centre (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19776/07]

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.

The Group in question has been approved a total of €391,367 in staffing grant assistance under the EOCP, including €174,500 for the period to 31 December 2007. The Government recently approved the new NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme 2008 — 2010, which will commence in January 2008 and will be open to community-based not for profit childcare services. To facilitate a smooth transition for childcare services in receipt of staffing support funding in 2007 to the new Scheme, and subject to compliance with reporting/contractual requirements and audit/verification recommendations, there will be a transitional period in the first half of 2008 during which existing staffing grant beneficiaries, including the Group in question, will be able to avail of grant funding at their existing 2007 level. The level of funding from thereon will be dependent on the profile of the parents using the facility, and the level of service being provided, with grant levels calculated on an annual basis and provision for re-appraisal and upward revision where the circumstances of a service materially change. The Group was informed of the position in July when details of the new Scheme were announced.