Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the figure that has been paid out for 2007, 2008 and 2009 in the national childcare investment programme; the figure that is planned for same programme for 2009 and 2010; the other funding that is available to assist in the capital investment involved in starting creche or childcare facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24504/09]

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). The NCIP is an ongoing multi-annual investment programme designed to improve the availability and quality of childcare options, primarily through capital grant-aiding the construction and refurbishment of childcare facilities and through current support grants for community services.

The total allocation to the Programme was €575m over five years, of which €358m was in respect of capital and €217m was in respect of current expenditure. By the end of 2008, approximately €180m of the NCIP's capital allocation had been committed, with almost €100m drawn down, of which some €15m was drawn down in 2007 and some €79m was drawn down in 2008. With the exception of a small number of priority projects approved earlier this year, no further commitments are expected to be made in respect of capital grant funding under the NCIP in light of the current economic climate, and the total capital allocation is now €222m. €60m in capital funding has been allocated for, and is expected to be drawn down, in 2009. Capital funding to cover the remaining commitments will be allocated in 2010.

The bulk of the NCIP current funding is expended on the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS). The framework for the CCSS was finalised in December 2007 and the Scheme was introduced with effect from January 2008. The CCSS has a total allocation of approximately €160m over the three years 2008-2010. The funding supports community-based childcare providers, enabling them to charge reduced childcare fees to disadvantaged parents. The Scheme is designed to be transparent and effective in targeting disadvantaged parents through the implementation of tiered fee structures based on the ability of parents to pay.

While CCSS funding for community-based childcare services is normally based on the actual parent profile and level of service provided, where a new community service has received capital grant aid a higher level of funding is generally provided to assist the service during the start-up phase.