Tom Hayes
Question:371 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application from a group (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5347/02]
Written Answers. - Child Care Services.
As the Deputy is aware, the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, 2000 to 2006, makes grants assistance available under a range of measures to develop child care services throughout Ireland. Funding for the programme comes from both the European Union and the Exchequer.
In February 2001, a capital grant application, under the programme, was received in my Department from the group in question. In addition, the group also sought grant assistance towards staffing costs, in September 2001.
It is my understanding that there has been considerable dialogue between the project management and ADM Limited, which administers the programme on my behalf and which is also appraising the project proposals. I understand that an independent architectural evaluation of the proposed project is being carried out. This is standard practice in capital projects of this size. This external evaluation is at an advanced stage and I understand that ADM Limited should be in a position to finalise their assessment shortly. The project will then be submitted to the programme appraisal committee before I take a decision on its funding. In the interim, it would be premature for me to comment further on the applications.