Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 180: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a group (details supplied) in County Wicklow which is anxious to draw down due funding; if this will be forwarded as a matter of urgency in order to continue the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2628/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) which is implemented under the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 -2010, and it's predecessor the EOCP Staff Grant, payments are made by Pobal to community based childcare groups, generally on a quarterly basis. The final payments in 2008 were made during October — December, and the first payments for 2009 are being made this month (at the equivalent of the quarterly rate payable at the end of last year).

The Group in question has been paid €9,540 as an interim payment for January to March 2009. This payment will be adjusted when their return is processed. To qualify for a 2009 payment, services made an electronic return, and also forwarded signed parental forms from parents and a form signed by the service manager confirming adherence to measures which ensure compliance with Data Protection legislation. The service in question chose not to make an electronic return but a paper return only. This has delayed the process in their case. However it is hoped that the Group will know their 2009 funding in full by the end of next month.