Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if funding could be made available under the National Childcare Investment Programme for a new purpose built facility (details supplied) in County Mayo in order that it can open on completion. [13885/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-10, which will invest €575 million over 5 years, with €358 million of this in capital grant aid for child care services. I understand the Group in question has applied through its local County Childcare Committee for capital funding under the programme. However the committee requires further information before the application can progress. This includes obtaining a letter from the Group confirming the basis of the original funding for the project, to avoid duplication of funding, and confirmation that the group has access to community employment workers to ensure its financial sustainability. When the application is complete, it will be forwarded to Pobal, which is engaged to administer grants under the programme, for assessment. Following the assessment it will be forwarded to the child care directorate of my office for recommendation on funding. The Group will be notified of the decision in due course.