Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if in view of an adjournment debate (details supplied) she will review the funding crisis that exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16216/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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As indicated to the Deputy when the question of funding for Páistí le Chéile was raised in a recent debate, funding for this project was provided by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. While I understand that this funding has now ceased, I must advise the Deputy that my Office is not in a position to accommodate this project under the current provisions of the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) which is implemented by my Office.

However, funding is provided by my Office under the NCIP to support the activities set out in the Action Plans of the 33 City and County Childcare Committees, including Roscommon County Childcare Committee which was involved in the pilot project funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The total NCIP funding provided to the Committees this year amounts to €13.3 million which represents an increase of more than 7% on the funding for the previous year. This includes €295,360 in funding approved for Roscommon County Childcare Committee, which is one of the highest allocations per capita in the country.