Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 6

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

257 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application will be approved and funding provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25408/01]

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

As the Deputy may be aware, capital grant schemes for self-employed childcare providers are part of the Government's childcare funding initiatives administered under my Department's Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 to 2006.

I have been informed by my Department's equal opportunities child care section that an application form for a capital grant was received from the person in question on 29 June 2001. Funding was sought towards the cost of constructing and equipping a new pre-school facility. I understand that this application was forwarded to Area Development Management Limited on 4 July 2001. A technical assessment of the application is being carried out by ADM Limited prior to referral to the Programme Appraisal Committee.

I have requested an update from ADM Limited and have been advised that the assessment is nearing completion and the application is expected to be considered by the appraisal committee in the near future. 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.