Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 540: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of Dublin 15 based applications that were submitted under the childcare capital programme 2012; the number of those applications that were successful from Dublin 15 and, in each case, the amount that was approved in comparison to what was requested by each applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28010/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The maximum grant available was €50,000 (including VAT). The aim of the funding is to provide support to child care settings to address remedial, maintenance and renovation work or to purchase equipment. Following a robust appraisal of all applications received, 290 applications were approved for funding with the average amount approved being €21,000. Of the total number of applications approved, 125 were from private child care facilities. Of the total amount approved, 63% was approved for renovation and expansion works, 25% was approved for the purchase of equipment, 11% was approved for maintenance works and 0.5% was approved in respect of professional fees associated with the capital works. The figures available to my Department are broken down in line with the city and county child care committee structures. Accordingly, the figures relating to the Dublin 15 postal district are part of the overall figure for the County of Fingal. This figure indicates that five child care services were approved for funding for Fingal. The total funding approved for these groups amounts to €34,098. The successful applications were those that represented the most complete, coherent, precise and compelling cases for funding. The investment has been directed, to the greatest extent possible, to addressing the most urgent works and supporting the quality of services making the greatest impact for disadvantaged children and communities. All applicants were notified by Pobal of the outcome. The Pobal website provides a facility for unsuccessful applicants to request by call-back information to assist them in understanding the reasons for the outcome of their applications.