Vol. 572 No. 3
488 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if correspondence from a child care community service (details supplied) will be urgently responded to; if he will take steps to ensure that the facility does not close; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23457/03]
As the Deputy is aware, I have responsibility for the equal opportunities child care programme 2000-2006 which makes grant assistance available under a range of measures to develop child care services throughout Ireland. Funding for the programme, which totals almost €437 million, comes from both the European Union and the Exchequer.
In August 2001, the group received an offer of a one year staffing grant of €63,487, which has been drawn down. At that time, the group was advised that further funding would be conditional to the group addressing a number of issues.
A development plan was submitted in July 2003 and since then, Area Development Management Limited, which administers the programme on my behalf, has been in contact with the group seeking clarification of outstanding issues. I understand that outstanding information was received on 9 October 2003 and this will now be assessed by Area Development Management Limited on my behalf. Once this assessment is completed, the application will be forwarded to the programme appraisal committee for its consideration prior to making a recommendation for my consideration.
In the interim, it would be premature of me to comment further on this application for grant assistance at this time.
