Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 572: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding an application for capital funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27535/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I have responsibility for the implementation of the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) which included a capital grant programme to develop childcare facilities.

Under the NCIP capital funding was made available to community and commercial childcare providers for the development and refurbishment of childcare facilities. The group referred to by the Deputy applied for capital grant funding in 2008 but, due to the economic downturn, and following a review of capital expenditure, the previous Government decided to close the programme to new grant applications. The group were informed of this outcome in early 2009.

Capital funding continues to be available to my Department in 2011 but this is required to meet existing NCIP capital grant commitments. I am aware that the group recently raised the issue of funding with Pobal, who assist my Department with the administration of the capital funding programme, and they were advised that there is no funding available to my Department for new applications. You will be aware that all programme funding is considered in the context of the annual estimates and budgetary process and it is not possible in advance of these discussions to determine when funding will become available.