Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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857. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding funding in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [27435/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I was successful in securing €2.75m in capital funding in Budget 2013 to support the ongoing improvement of the childcare sector via the 2013 Childcare Capital Programme. This programme is being implemented by Pobal on behalf of my Department. Both community not-for-profit childcare facilities and private childcare facilities currently participating in one of the three childcare programmes implemented by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs were eligible to apply for a grant under the Programme. The closing date for applications was 30th April.

I understand that there has been significant interest in the programme with almost 1,400 applications submitted before the closing date. These applications are currently being appraised by Pobal with the assistance of the City and County Childcare Committees and the HSE as relevant. It is expected that the appraisal process will be completed and recommendations for approvals made to my Department before the end of June. All applicants will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.