Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the percentage of the 2,343 applications made to the Childcare Capital Programme 2012 that listed dampness problems or sewerage problems or sanitary and hygiene problems as reasons for the applications; and the number of these applications that were successful. [33327/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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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, 290 applications were approved for funding. Unfortunately it is not possible to isolate the applications concerning the particular problems referred to in the Deputy's question without devoting a considerable amount of time and, in view of the significant amount of work involved in administering the programme, this would not be considered the best use of resources at this time. Pobal has, however, advised that funding for the issues referred to by the Deputy came under either the maintenance or renovation headings. The total figure approved was €6m and of this figure €3.8m was approved for applications that came under the heading of renovations which is 63.5% of total approvals and €0.7m was approved for applications that came under the heading of maintenance which is 11% of total approvals.

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.