John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 446: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that Pobal funding is granted to a group (details supplied) as a matter of urgency in view of the fact that the group had received confirmation that they had been approved for funding of up to €1.2 million in April 2008 and an official opening of the facility was performed by her in June 2008. [11645/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006 -2010 is implemented by my Office with the assistance of Pobal, which manages the day-to-day operation of the programme. The group in question was approved capital funding of €1.2 million under the programme in May 2008. However, capital grant approvals under the programme are subject to satisfactory completion of all pre-contractual requirements, including the need to meet the relevant timeframes that apply. I understand that the group has not yet met these requirements. Therefore, I am not in a position to comment on whether their grant application will proceed to contract and drawdown. I understand that decommital of the group's grant approval is being considered under rule 1, "Failure to sign contract", and rule 2, "Failure to comply with financial and statutory obligations, and/or meet management/governance standards". If it is decided to decommit the grant approval, the group will be informed of the position and its right to appeal at the earliest opportunity.