Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

John Perry

Question:

613 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if funding will be made available to Kilmacowen Community Playgroup, County Sligo, to enable them to purchase the property to continue to allow them to continue excellent quality child care for the children in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13529/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

As the Deputy is aware, the Equal Opportunities Child Care Programme 2000 to 2006 makes grant 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.

On 7 May 2002, an application for a capital grant, under the programme, was received in my Department from the group in question. The application was immediately passed to ADM Limited, who administer the programme on my behalf, to carry out a technical appraisal of the project proposals. On completion of this process, the assessment will be referred to the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, for a recommendation before I make a decision on the application. In the interim, it would be premature of me to comment further on this capital grant application. The Deputy may be aware that the group in question were approved in August 2000 for a staffing grant totalling €77,295, payable over a three year period.