Vol. 571 No. 3
249 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has completed the assessment of the Happylands Playschool, Athlone, County Roscommon application for funding under the Childcare Programme 2000-2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21572/03]
A grant application for capital grant assistance from the 2000-2006 equal opportunities child care programme was received from this private childcare provider in August 2003. All applications for grant assistance undergo a thorough assessment and appraisal process against the programme criteria by Area Development Management Limited. On completion of the assessment process, applications are considered by the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, for a recommendation before I make a final decision.
The equal opportunities child care programme 2000-2006 is currently undergoing an independent mid-term review as part of the review of the National Development Plan 2000-2006. My Department is also currently carrying out an extensive review of the programme's capital commitments to date to ensure that those grant commitments previously entered into will in fact be realised by the groups on the ground. At the same time, it is also reviewing the different budget lines under the capital programme to ensure that the most effective use is made of all remaining capital funding in accordance with the objectives of the programme.
249 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has completed the assessment of the Happylands Playschool, Athlone, County Roscommon, application for funding under the child care programme 2000-06; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21572/03]
A grant application for capital grant assistance from the 2000-06 equal opportunities child care programme was received from this private child care provider in August 2003. All applications for grant assistance undergo a thorough assessment and appraisal process against the programme criteria by Area Development Management Limited. On completion of the assessment process, applications are considered by the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, for a recommendation before I make a final decision.
The equal opportunities child care programme 2000-06 is currently undergoing an independent mid-term review as part of the review of the National Development Plan 2000-06. My Department is also currently carrying out an extensive review of the programme's capital commitments to date to ensure that those grant commitments previously entered into will in fact be realised by the groups on the ground. At the same time, it is also reviewing the different budget lines under the capital programme to ensure that the most effective use is made of all remaining capital funding in accordance with the objectives of the programme.
All applications for capital grant assistance are appraised in accordance with the programme criteria in order to ensure that those projects which best meet the aims and objectives of the programme receive the capital grant assistance which will enable them to provide quality child care in areas where there are service deficits. It would be premature of me to comment further on specific applications for capital grant assistance at this time.
