Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 4

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

132 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if funding will be made available to the Tír na nÓg organisation for the provision of a child care facility in Ballydesmond, County Cork, and the running costs of this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12660/02]

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

My Department has been assigned the lead role in the development and co-ordination of child care services over the course of the National Development Plan, 2000-2006. In this regard, the Equal Opportunities Child Care Programme, which is funded by both the European Union and the Exchequer, provides grant assistance to community-based, non-profit making organisations and private child care providers who meet the criteria set out in the programme.

With regard to Tír na nÓg, Ballydesmond, County Cork, I have been informed by the childcare directorate of my Department that this group submitted application forms for both capital and staffing grants on 5 February 2002. These applications will now be subject to the normal assessment and appraisal process before I make a final decision regarding funding of the project.

The Deputy will understand that, at this stage, it would be premature of me to comment any further on this particular matter.