Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 2

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

338 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current status of an application from a school (details supplied) in County Wexford for funding under the equal opportunities child care grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15708/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

As the Deputy may be aware, a staffing grant scheme for community based-not for profit groups is part of the Government's child care funding initiatives administered under my Department's Equal Opportunities Child Care Programme, 2000-2006.

An application for funding towards staffing costs was received by the equal opportunities child care section of my Department on 12 April 2001 from the school in question. I have been informed by my officials that this application was forwarded to Area Development Management Limited on 18 April 2001. A technical assessment of this application will be carried out by ADM Limited prior to referral to the programme appraisal committee.

Once the assessment and appraisal process is complete, I will make a decision shortly thereafter. In the interim, it would be premature of me to comment further on the application.