Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if an extension to the deadline for the contractual stage of a project (details supplied) in County Mayo can be extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6549/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he would investigate the possibility of sanctioning additional funding for the building of a larger facility for the provision of the extra childcare places projected for a facility. [6550/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which will invest €575 million over 5 years, with €358 million of this in capital grant aid for childcare services.

Capital applications approved under the NCIP are subject to certain criteria, one of which is that contracts should be signed within one year from the notification date of approval or face decommittal. I understand that the Group referred to by the Deputy is approaching their contractual deadline of one year. A decision on the status of their approved funding has not been taken at this time. In each case, and having regard to all other relevant factors, account is taken of any particular circumstances which may have applied. The Group will be notified of the position in due course.

I understand that in December 2007 the Group in question contacted Pobal, which manages the day to day operation of the NCIP on behalf of my Office, to enquire whether it would be possible to receive additional funding to expand the proposed service. I also understand, that, following discussion with Pobal and the local County Childcare Committee, the Group confirmed that they would be in a position to complete the proposed service expansion within their allocated budget.