Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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462. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a review of the criteria will be carried out to allow childcare providers apply for Leader grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40917/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Funding under the LEADER Programme is targeted at innovative approaches to addressing the needs of rural areas as identified in the Local Development Strategies prepared for each sub-regional area. The funding can be provided under a broad range of themes, including enterprise development and social inclusion. It is important, however, to ensure that the available funding is targeted at policy areas where it can provide the greatest added value.

Provision of funding supports for childcare providers is available through the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the City and County Childcare Committee. It is not, therefore, proposed to extend the LEADER Programme to include childcare providers at present.