Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 528: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the payment of a child care grant to a group (details supplied) in County Cork. [33984/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006 — 2010, under which the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is being implemented.

Capital funding of €250,000 under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000 — 2006 was approved for the group in question in November 2005. This funding was transferred to the NCIP as the group failed to get to contract within the required timeframe under the EOCP. Additional NCIP funding of €40,000 was approved in February 2008. In February 2009 a decommital was approved for €290,000 as the group had failed to get to contract within the required timeframe under the NCIP. An appeal was received from the group in March 2009 regarding this decision. On 17 September 2009 €33,507 was approved on appeal to cover debts incurred by the group whilst trying to get to contract. This payment is being withheld pending receipt of some specific documentation from the group.