Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the capital grants which are available to assist with the construction of a crèche; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20332/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) under which capital grants are provided to community and commercial childcare providers to assist them with the construction and renovation of childcare facilities. By the end of 2008, approximately €180 million of the NCIP's capital allocation of €358 million had been committed under the programme. Capital grant applications are processed in the first instance by the City and County Childcare Committees and are then forwarded to Pobal, who assist my Office in the day to day implementation of the programme.

As the Deputy will be aware, with the economic downturn, it became necessary to review Government expenditure, particularly in regard to new capital commitments. While existing capital commitments will continue to be processed during 2009 and 2010, it is not possible at this point to approve additional grant applications under the programme. All capital grants applicants have now been advised that funding cannot be approved at this time. The City and County Childcare Committees will be advised by my Office if additional capital commitments can be met in 2011 and 2012.