Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004
234 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for a capital equipment grant will be decided on for a project (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the reason for the delays in this decision being taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18325/04]
View answerI understand from inquiries I have made that, in December 2003, the group submitted a further application for capital grant assistance under the EOCP towards the provision of equipment. The group in question was awarded capital grant assistance of more than €1.7 million in February 2002 under the equal opportunities child care programme 2000 — 2006. This funding enabled the group to construct a purpose built childcare facility. In addition, in October 2001, the group received a grant towards its staffing costs amounting to €361,875 over three years. It is now seeking further capital funding of about €250,000 for the purchase of equipment for the new service.
The day-to-day administration of the EOCP is undertaken by ADM Limited, which has been engaged by my Department to carry out thorough assessments against the programme criteria of all applications for grant assistance under the programme, on my behalf. On completion of the assessment process, applications are considered by the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, which makes a funding recommendation to me before I make a final decision on the matter. I understand that this grant application is in the final stages of assessment and a decision will be made shortly. In the interim, it would be premature of me to comment further on this application for additional capital grant assistance.
