Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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502. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to outline her views on a matter (details supplied) on a capital funding allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27382/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The Early Years Capital Programme is designed each year as a discreet scheme to assist the sector to increase capacity and improve quality. In 2017 and again in 2018, the capital programme was over-subscribed indicating high demand and interest in the funding. The number of applications for the 2018 Early Years and School Age Childcare Capital Programmes was particularly high, with over 1,900 applications received.

All applications were appraised in a fair, thorough and impartial manner by Pobal on behalf of the Department. Due to the high demand for capital funding and the particularly strong standard of applications received, many services who submitted quality applications unfortunately did not receive an offer of funding. I regret that on this occasion the service in question's application did not result in an offer of funding.

All applicants who were unsuccessful have the opportunity to request a call-back on their capital application from Pobal, who can provide them with feedback and guidance on their application. All applicants who were unsuccessful can also request to have their application reviewed. Details on how to request a feedback call and/or review were sent to applicants from Pobal following the announcement of capital decisions. In addition, I would encourage this childcare provider to contact their local City/County Childcare Committee who can provide information and support on a range of issues that may be of assistance.

There are no further Capital programmes planned for 2018. Consideration of the 2019 capital programme is currently underway and feedback received will be used to inform the design of next year's scheme.